Agent of Kalvin Phillips gives encouraging update regarding new Leeds deal

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Kalvin Phillips’ agent Kevin Sharp has been quoted by the Yorkshire Evening Post as saying that talks between himself and the Leeds United board are looking “very promising”, with a new deal getting ever closer.

Along with Pablo Hernandez and Liam Cooper, 23-year-old Phillips has become one of the Championship promotion hopefuls’ best players under the guidance of Marcelo Bielsa – who moved Phillips to holding midfield upon his arrival.

It saw Phillips attract very heavy interest from Aston Villa in the summer, following their promotion to the Premier League. But the YEP claim Leeds turned down an offer worth in excess of £20million for the midfielder.

Now, he looks set to extend his stay at Leeds, despite already being contracted until the summer of 2021. Sharp has said that talks are progressing nicely after meeting with the board last Thursday to thrash out a deal for Phillips.

“It’s clear for all to see that the owner, Victor Orta and the manager all see Kalvin as a major player in the squad,” Sharp said. “No matter how important he is, they want to get the best deal possible and I want to get him the best deal possible.

“Kalvin is really happy to stay and wants to sign a new deal. We had a very amicable meeting, we all came out very positive. It looks very promising, that’s as much as I can say.”

TBR’s view – Leeds must agree Phillips deal, but he is not the only one

Phillips is the heartbeat of the Leeds midfield and if the Whites do gain promotion, he will be crucial to the side in the top flight, too. But he is not the only player Leeds must opt to keep – and there are more pressing contract situations that need resolving.

Matuesz Klich has entered the final 12 months of his contract and the Poland international is one of the first names on Bielsa’s team sheet – he must stay. So too Stuart Dallas, who is also set to see his deal expire next summer. Both are crucial to Leeds.