By Saikat Mandal

28th Oct, 2021 | 11:40am

Leeds midfielder Kalvin Phillips targeted by Liverpool

Liverpool have joined the race to sign Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips in the next transfer window, according to reports from the Daily Star.

Manchester United are also keen to sign the Leeds midfielder and they have made him one of their priority signings next summer.

The report claims that the Reds are “keeping close tabs” on Phillips, and “could be set to go head-to-head in a desperate scrap” with Man United to sign him.

Jurgen Klopp wants to bolster his midfield “in the next transfer window”, that is January, and has earmarked Phillips for that role.

The 25-year-old has a contract at the club till 2024, and he is reportedly valued at around £60 million.

Unlikely

The Athletic reported earlier this month that Leeds are planning to offer Phillips a new deal at the club.

Phillips is threatening to outgrow Leeds for the past 18 months or so, with Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink hailing him as “magnificent” last month [Leeds Live].

However, the England international wants to continue for his boyhood club and he has indicated that he is keen to negotiate and sign an improved contract.

In the long run, it will give Leeds an upper hand in the transfer market. They can demand a ridiculous transfer fee for Phillips.

Having said that, it is almost impossible to see Phillips leaving in January unless any potential suitors come up with crazy money.

Bielsa admitted before that Phillips could leave Leeds someday in the future, and the decision purely rests with him. However, the new contract will make sure that there are no hard feelings if he leaves the club in the future.

In other Leeds United news, Bielsa has explained why Diego Llorente was brought off against Arsenal.