You know how some clubs and players are just destined to be linked with each other for eternity?
Well, it looks as though a lesser-known transfer saga, for this summer at least, is set to end. Aston Villa have been linked with Leeds midfielder Kalvin Phillips for some time now, with The Express and Star reporting that they were set to make a bid for the midfielder before the end of the month.
Reports were also circulating in The Telegraph that any bid likely to come in would be rejected by Leeds, as they were set to demand a high fee for the 23-year-old.
But it seems Dean Smith has finally got the message, because it appears the pursuit is nearing its conclusion.
The Premier League side are reportedly turning their attention back to Belgian outfit Club Brugge. Having already signed Wesley Moraes from them, they look to be going back with an offer for another one of their players, this time defensive midfielder Marvelous Nakamba.
Kalvin Phillips was such a key part in Leeds’s march to the playoffs last season, playing 46 games across all competitions, both as a center-back and defensive midfielder, and if Bielsa’s side are hoping to make another push towards promotion this season, then keeping hold of someone as crucial as Phillips will be a huge step in the right direction.
Although you do wonder if holding out is really the best thing for the club. Bielsa threatened to walk if he didn’t get the budget he was after, but the fact that he eventually agreed to stay would indicate that he got his wish.
If you add the £14m to that, you should have enough to make a like-for-like, or even better, replacement for Phillips, so maybe it is worth considering letting him go if another club comes around.