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Report: Leeds backed to accept ‘colossal figure’ for key Bielsa man

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Leeds United would only accept a ‘colossal figure’ for Kalvin Phillips this summer if Marcelo Bielsa can secure the club’s promotion into the Premier League, according to Leeds Live.

The 24-year-old is often described as being one of the best players in the second-tier and has been tipped to earn an England call-up after Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate watched Phillips in action.

Suitors would not be short if Phillips’ services hit the market at the close of the campaign, having attracted vast interest last year leading to the Whites declaring the club had turned down several offers in excess of £20million when the midfielder penned a new contract.

Those terms include a release clause that will become active if we are bound for another campaign in the Championship next term, but even securing promotion would not secure Phillips’ future, it would seem.

Leeds Live’s Beren Cross has built on speculation from Kevin Phillips claiming the United product will not see out his career at Elland Road, by adding that Phillips nor owner Andrea Radrizzani are likely to turn down a move in the summer if bound for a season in the second-tier.

Promotion is not a guarantee of Phillips staying, either, as a ‘colossal’ bid of £40m could test Radrizzani’s resolve, even though the Leeds-born talent would like to stick around in West Yorkshire.

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Cross, though, concludes that a summer move if set for life in the Premier League appears a ‘long shot’ at best, but do not rule out Phillips leaving in two or three years time if the club can not match his progression as a player.

Phillips has been key to Marcelo Bielsa’s plans this season and has been a pivotal reason why the club are sitting atop the Championship, having contributed a team-high 87 tackles, plus 39 interceptions, 41 clearances, won 140 ground duels (55%), played 60 key balls to create five big chances to score and found teammates with 163 long passes (56%), per Sofa Score data, over his 31 Championship outings.

In other Leeds United news, a prominent Whites pundit has reacted to a close source revealing offers for a young Whites ace.

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