Phil Hay: Leeds United signing Marc Roca would not be direct Kalvin Phillips replacement
Phil Hay has shared that Leeds United are not plotting a move for Bayern Munich midfielder Marc Roca as a replacement for Kalvin Phillips this summer.
The Athletic journalist reported that the Whites are pushing to seal an agreement for the Spaniard, who could only cost up to £10million from the German giants.
It is shared that despite Manchester City being keen on Phillips, no fresh approach has been made and another midfielder could be signed on top of Roca is all mentioned deals are complete.
Writing in his latest piece for The Athletic, Hay shared what any potential incoming would mean for the future of the Yorkshire Pirlo at Elland Road.
“Though speculation continues to surround Phillips, Roca is not being targeted as a replacement for him,” he wrote.
“Manchester City are keenly interested in Phillips but Leeds have received no fresh approaches for him since the end of the season and any sale involving him would lead to the acquisition of at least one more midfielder beyond Roca to fill the gap.”
No chance.
Leeds need to set their stall out early on this one.
There is no chance that Phillips can be allowed to leave, and everything needs to be done in order to get him to sign a new contract at Elland Road as soon as possible.
Victor Orta has already been working hard, with deals for Rasmus Kristensen and Brenden Aaronson complete, and bringing in Roca on top of that would be the perfect start.
This early work before the transfer window officially opens has to be used as motivation to persuade Phillips that Leeds are pushing to move forward.
The goal is European football, whether in the 2022-23 season or beyond, and Phillips can be central to that if he pledges his future to his boyhood club.
Phillips will see that the squad depth is being worked on already, and will know that is critical to progress, something that will no doubt please him.
Hopefully, we see progress on both Phillips and Roca across the next week.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites are readying a new bid for a blockbuster striker signing according to Phil Hay after Premier League survival