Impressing for England at this summer's European Championships was always going to increase the stock of Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips.
The 25-year-old has been an ever present for Gareth Southgate's side throughout the tournament so far as he readies himself for his biggest international game yet when facing Germany in the last-16 of the Euros on Tuesday evening.
Phillips has earned plaudits from current and ex-players alike with his performances so far, his display against Croatia in the opening match being a highlight.
And with that increased European profile and his performances, so the transfer rumour drums are being banged loud that the midfield ace could be on the move away from Elland Road.
There's been zero substance to any of the links with Phillips, with the player happy at Elland Road at a club he loves, while Leeds rightly have no plans to let their star man go.
And yet the rumours somehow persist, but that's all they are, rumours. Now, on the back of those rumours, former Leeds and England player Carlton Palmer has come out with one of the boldest statements of the summer, suggesting Phillips would be happy to leave the Whites if an opportunity came up to join Tottenham Hotspur.
The London club, along with Juventus have been credited with interest in Phillips this summer.
Palmer, who played for Leeds between 1994 and 1997, says the chance to play for a club of Spurs' stature is one Phillips would not be able to resist.
Speaking to Thisisfutbol, Palmer said; “ If Tottenham come knocking, no disrespect to Leeds United, I think Leeds United are a massive club. I’m a big admirer of Leeds United. But if you’ve got an opportunity to go and play at Spurs, you’re going to want to leave Leeds to go and play at Spurs.”
Whether Phillips would see the argument the same way as Palmer only he can answer, but we can all pretty much guess his thoughts on that matter. Swapping Leeds for Spurs seems like a very unlikely move, despite the belief of the ex-Leeds player.
