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Leeds United: Graham Smyth reacts to 'insane' Kalvin Phillips update
Leeds United should be more worried about losing Kalvin Phillips to Manchester City despite the strong links to Manchester United, according to Graham Smyth of the Yorkshire evening post.
Leeds welcome City to Elland Road on Saturday evening in what is the start of three daunting fixtures in Leeds United’s survival bid.
However, Jesse Marsch’s side saw Phillips complete his first 90 minutes since returning from injury at Crystal Palace on Monday evening.
Having Phillips back is a huge boost for the Whites, however, Smyth believes Saturday’s opponents could be the England man’s next destination.
Writing for the Yorkshire evening post he said: “Forget the insane Manchester United talk.
“It’s Saturday’s visitors, with their bottomless pockets, regular trophies and need to replace Fernandinho, you want to worry about.”
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The Athletic reported on 27 April that “Manchester United have begun exploring, via intermediaries, the prospect of a transfer worth £50million” for Phillips.
Kalvin stay put
Kalvin Phillips is 27 this year and considering his remarkable performances for England in the European Championships last summer, he cannot be playing Championship football again.
If Leeds were to get sucked back into England’s second tier then Phillips leaving Elland Road would surely be a certainty.
Marsch’s men have been in good form of late, with three wins from their last five and are five points clear of the relegation zone.
However, their next three fixtures against City, Chelsea and Arsenal could be significant in their survival push.
Phillips’ contract doesn’t expire until the summer of 2024, so Leeds are seemingly in the driving seat and any departure will very much be on their terms.
Nonetheless, Phillips needs to know that this side will be competitive and conducive to his style of play.
If he is not convinced by Marsch’s vision for the club then they could well have an unhappy player on their hands.
In other Leeds United news, Raphinha and Phillips have send messages to one of their exit-linked teammates.