Kalvin Phillips future: Leeds given encouragement to make talks a priority

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Leeds United received a huge boost at the weekend as Kevin Sharp provided an update on the future of Kalvin Phillips at Elland Road.

Phillips, of course, has been one of the stars of the show in the early stages of England’s Euro 2020 campaign.

And his form has seen the 25-year-old linked with clubs elsewhere. The likes of Manchester City and Real Madrid are reportedly monitoring the midfielder.

But Sharp – who is Phillips’s agent – has insisted that the academy graduate has no desire to leave Leeds.

Interestingly, he also claimed that they would be open to fresh contract talks with the Whites.

Admittedly, Leeds are not under pressure to extend Phillips’s term. His current deal expires in 2024, so he still has around three years left.

But amid all of the interest, Sharp’s comments should arguably encourage Leeds to make extending the midfielder’s contract a priority.

No player has been as irreplaceable during Marcelo Bielsa’s tenure as Phillips.

Even with Robin Koch impressing in the latter stages of last season, there is no question that supporters will be extremely concerned if they lose Phillips to injury or suspension at any stage next season.

He remains the fulcrum of the side – unsurprisingly, given that his nickname is the Yorkshire Pirlo.

And while Leeds currently find themselves in a strong position, the situation will become a lot more precarious if Phillips reaches the final two years of his contract.

Leeds must not take Kalvin Phillips for granted

Of course, it helps that Phillips is so strongly attached to Leeds. He rejected the chance to move to the Premier League after Bielsa’s men missed out on promotion in 2019.

But the Whites should not take that association for granted. Phillips has now had a taste of playing on one of the biggest international stages.

And it would be no surprise if this summer was not the last time he was linked with the likes of Manchester City or Real Madrid.

Phillips will be 28 when his current deal expires. It is a frightening thought, but he could well be at his peak by then.

It would be a huge statement therefore, to agree a new contract this summer.

Along with keeping Bielsa, no piece of news would surely be more positively received than extending Phillips’ terms.