Kalvin Phillips in 'positive, ongoing talks' over new Leeds contract

Last updated : 01 October 2021 By ROSS HEPPENSTALL

The Leeds midfielder has been praised by club boss Marcelo Bielsa and England manager Gareth Southgate – and is now attracting interest from elsewhere too.

Kalvin Phillips has held “positive discussions” with Leeds United about a new and improved deal for the England midfielder, his agent has told i.

Phillips has enjoyed a stunning rise to prominence for club and country during the past 12 months and was recently voted England’s Player of the Year following his starring role for Gareth Southgate’s side at Euro 2020.

The 25-year-old, a boyhood Leeds supporter who was born and raised in the city, was this week linked with a move to bitter rivals Manchester United. 

Sharp told i: “I’ve had positive discussions with Leeds United throughout the summer on a new contract for Kalvin.

“Talks are ongoing and I can only see a positive outcome. Kalvin’s desire is to stay at Leeds United and there is a real willingness from all sides to make it happen.”

Earlier this summer, Sharp told i that he would not agitate for an improved deal for Phillips as the player was happy and settled at his hometwon club. 

 

But with interest from rival Premier League clubs and abroad, Leeds now look set to tie down their prized asset to a new long-term deal.

Phillips has won 17 caps since making his England debut last September and his reputation throughout Europe has soared.

Bielsa spoke of the importance of Phillips at his pre-match press conference on Thursday and, asked whether the player could leave, the Leeds head coach said: “That’s a question Kalvin needs to answer.

“Of course he’s a very valuable player. We have to adapt ourselves to how he feels belonging to Leeds.”

Yet Kevin Sharp, the former Leeds player who represents Phillips, said talks were underway about rewarding Marcelo Bielsa’s star man with a new contract to extend his stay at Elland Road.

Phillips has often spoken about how close he is to his family and the relationship he enjoys with Bielsa has seen him thrive during the past three seasons.

It is understood a new deal at Leeds would put Phillips amongst the club’s highest earners. 

Bielsa added: “I have seen in him the conduct I have very rarely seen in a player.

 

“In how football is right now, for a player to decline a team above the level where he is at, due to love of a club he is at, is not frequent.” (When Phillips turned down Aston Villa a couple of seasons ago).

Bielsa acknowledged Phillips’ heart was in Leeds, saying:  “I have the certainty Kalvin is going to endure decisions like this the rest of his life.

“When you go for the money, or for the evolution, you resolve a moment in your sporting career, but when you opt for affection of those of the people, you resolve in commas your life forever.

“When you’re loved where you’re from, the possibilities to be happy increase.”