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Leeds’ hand could be forced following alarming update on the future of a key Bielsa man – opinion

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Leeds United could be forced to accept Aston Villa’s advances for Kalvin Phillips, after Football Insider alarmingly reported the Premier League new boys are willing to offer the Whites product a colossal 600% pay rise.

Managing Director Angus Kinnear has claimed Phillips is very much a player that is a part of the club’s plans, but the midfielder has so far rejected the chance to renew his contract in West Yorkshire.

The 23-year-old had been holding out for improved terms that would move him closer to Patrick Bamford and Kiko Casilla, with the pair raking in the most of anyone at the club, believed to be in the region of £30k and £40,000-a-week. Meanwhile, Phillips is thought to earn closer to £10,000-a-week.

Even still, Director of Football Victor Orta shared his confidence in Australia that the key Marcelo Bielsa midfielder will be a part of the Argentine’s squad next season, but the longer the wait goes on, the more likely his exit becomes.

Recent reports have suggested the Leeds-born anchor is considering his options, and could down tools ahead of the new campaign and sit out the entire season in order to secure a move to Villa Park.

If he were to move to AVFC, it has been alleged by Football Insider that Dean Smith’s Villans have made it clear via a third party that they are willing to pay him a colossal £60,000-a-week on a five-year contract, something that we would only be able to table in the Premier League.

It remains to be seen if Aston Villa are readying another approach to United after their initial advance was rebuffed, as reports of Phillips’ plotting a season on the sidelines suggested they will hold firm at £15million.

But the potential for Phillips running his Whites deal down into its final year, and the lucrative payday on offer at Villa, should be very alarming for club executives at Elland Road.

Either they sign the midfielder to a new contract, or sell him this summer. We cannot afford to turn a blind eye and watch his market value plummet before eventually cashing in.

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