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'He'll be sold' - Simon Grayson predicts summer exit for Leeds big name if promotion is blocked
Former Leeds United manager Simon Grayson has predicted that the Whites will sell Kalvin Phillips if they don’t get promoted this season.
The 24-year-old has established himself as an integral part of Marcelo Bielsa plans at Elland Road, and has featured in 34 matches across all competitions so far this term.
But Leeds find themselves in a state of limbo over their bid for a long-awaited return to the top flight, and Grayson has made a worrying claim about Phillips’ future at the club if they are denied promotion.
Speaking to the Daily Star, he said: “He’s a fantastic midfielder and it’s quite simple – if Leeds don’t get promoted then he’ll be sold.
“If they go up, then he stays. He’s got the qualities to play for a top-six team. He’s good on the ball and likes a tackle, but he’s still mobile and can get up and down the pitch.
“We’ve seen players go from the Championship to the Premier League and thrive. He could be one of those that just grasps the opportunity.”
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Losing Kalvin is just about the last thing that any Leeds fans would want to happen this summer.
Missing out on promotion would be a huge blow, but selling off our star man would be an added kick in the teeth that would really hurt.
His average match rating of 7.20 this season, as per Whoscored, puts him in the top 15 players in the Championship, and makes him the highest-rated defensive midfielder in the division.
He is also in the top seven for tackles made per game, while his average of 5.3 successful long balls is the joint-second highest of any outfield player in the second tier.
Thankfully, with League Two clubs voting to end the season on the basis of a points per game average, and with the Championship keen on finishing the season on the pitch if possible, it looks as if the Whites are still in a fairly strong position to secure promotion in the coming weeks – despite opposition from some quarters.
In other Leeds United news, ‘Implications are huge’ – Sky Sports pundit makes big claim about Leeds promotion.