Leeds United stance on Kalvin Phillips exit will concern fans after £60million report Friday
Leeds United are showing a concerning attitude to the potential exit of in-demand star midfielder Kalvin Phillips after news on Aston Villa’s pursuit.
Ashley Preece of the Birmingham Mail revealed in a Friday Q&A that the Villains’ interest in the England international was “real” and that Steven Gerrard’s side had been “quoted £60m” for him.
The Times had reported last month that the Midlands club were the “frontrunners” for his signature in the summer and were prepared to offer “a £60 million transfer fee, plus an enormous salary” in order to do so.
But while the price has been out there for some time, and indeed appears to be the basis of Manchester United’s reportedly heightened interest, the idea that club representatives are actively quoting an asking price will be a worry for Whites fans.
If Villa have been quoted that price, then no doubt the Old Trafford club have as well, hence their reported confidence in “seeing off any competitors” (Manchester Evening News).
The Times reported this week that incoming Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag will be given £120million to spend, and that Phillips was viewed as a “possible alternative” to £150million-rated Declan Rice of West Ham.
Bargain
At less than half of the price for his Three Lions colleague, and around half of the reported budget at Old Trafford it is no wonder that the prospect of another Whites hero leaving for Manchester has ramped up.
While the price-tag of £60million has been floating around for some time, it seemed like an external determination based on agents’ and rivals’ views.
But if it is being explicitly quoted that suggests United are genuinely considering the potential exit of the fan-favourite and boyhood Leeds fan like any other offer.
It would seem unthinkable that Andrea Radrizzani, Victor Orta and company would believe it to be a sensible decision to let him go.
His importance to the team has been demonstrated by how they struggled in his absence, along with captain Liam Cooper and striker Patrick Bamford.
His personal connection to the club suggests he does not want to leave, unlike Rice who reportedly has rejected a third contract offer from the Hammers (Fabrizio Romano).
The Yorkshire Pirlo is reportedly “determined” to extend his stay at the club (The Sun) but the contract talks that have apparently be in the offing for weeks haven’t reached any conclusion.
And his continued connection with the fans, as demonstrated by the examples of him personally meeting with them in his own time (Leeds Live), shows why the club should be avoiding his exit at (virtually) all costs.
In other Leeds United news, the club have a route to steal in and sign a “wonderkid” ahead of a Premier League rival.