Kalvin Phillips is closing in on penning a fresh contract with Leeds United, according to managing director Angus Kinnear.
The 23-year-old, who has fully established himself as a key stalwart of the club’s resurgence under Marcelo Bielsa, was the rumoured target of interest from several Premier League and Championship rivals this summer.
Speaking in an interview with BBC Radio Leeds, Kinnear confirmed Phillips was among a number of big names who were the target of opposition sides during the transfer window.
“Obviously we had Kalvin, but there were a number of other first-team players who we received offers for, from both the Premier League and the Championship,” he said.
“It’s a testament to Andrea’s financial commitment, but also the belief the team has, as a unit and in Marcelo, those players refused those offers and wanted to stay.”
Further probed on the central midfielder’s future, he added: “Obviously the discussions around Kalvin and keeping Kalvin are centred around giving him a new contract.
“He deserves a new contract, he’s at the very heart of what we want to achieve both as a player and a personality.
“He’s a local lad and he understands exactly what it means to play for Leeds United, so we’ve had very constructive conversations with Kalvin and his agent, and I think we’re very close.
“I think it will be soon, but a credit to Kalvin is he hasn’t let this discussion influence him or distract him in any way.
“He knew we’d be good to his word and give him the right offer and he couldn’t have been more committed and more focused. He’s started fantastically.”
