Former Leeds United defender Danny Mills has tipped Kalvin Phillips to remain at Elland Road for at least another season to lead Marcelo Bielsa's promotion tilt.
The Whites’ prized asset has been linked with a big-money move to Aston Villa this summer following his stellar campaign last year, with Tottenham Hotspur also credited with an interest in the 23-year-old.
Having lost Jack Clarke and Pontus Jansson already, the Whites know the importance of keeping their academy graduate, offering him a new contract which would make him one of the club’s top earners.
United supporters were thrilled to see Villa agree a deal for Manchester City holding midfielder Douglas Luiz, who plays in the same role as Phillips.
Whilst that doesn’t necessarily signal the end of their pursuit, it does make a move for Leeds' star man unlikely.
With that in mind, former England defender Danny Mills believes that Phillips will give the club at least one more year as they bid to reach the Premier League.
“I think another season at Leeds and another season of good performances will put him in real good stead,” Mills told Football Insider .
“If he went to a Premier League side, he might just be on the fringes of the first team, he might not go straight in. One more season at Leeds and they don’t get promoted, and he’s had a good season he might have a few more options.
“It’s about playing, so I think he will stay for this season and if they get promoted he may well stay again but if not, he’ll be in a better position this time next year to make a real decision.”
Phillips played a key role in Leeds’ third-place finish last term, earning himself a spot in the PFA Championship Team of the Season.
With that in mind, reports suggest that the Whites have placed a £30m price tag on his head, hoping to scare away any potential suitors.
