Liverpool blow: £60m Leeds star says he wants to sign new deal at Elland Road

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Kalvin Phillips is reportedly a target for Liverpool and other Premier League heavyweights, but the England star has told The Mail he wants to sign a new contract at Leeds. He as underlined just how happy he is at Elland Road.

Phillips, 26, is enduring a difficult season at Leeds – like Marcelo Bielsa’s side itself. The Whites sit way down in 16th place, having played more games than the majority of those in and around them.

Just three wins in 18 has coincided with Phillips struggling to find his best form. Now, the Euro 2020 finalist is sidelined until February with a long-term hamstring problem. Liam Cooper and Patrick Bamford also have hamstring injuries.

Indeed, a move to a new club and a fresh start might be considered tempting. The Daily Star claim that Liverpool are battling Manchester United for the £60million star – but Phillips has spoken out about his future.

Striking a blow to any hopes of Liverpool or Manchester United fans over potentially signing Phillips, the Leeds star said he wants to sign a new contract. Phillips says he is constant dialogue with club owner Andrea Radrizzani.

“I just want to focus on getting back fit,’ he says. ‘But I speak to the owner regularly. I want a new contract. I’m very happy here,” Phillips told the Mail’s Craig Hope in an extended interview this week.

Liverpool blow: Phillips wants new Leeds deal, the right move?

Clearly, there is an emotional attachment between Leeds and Phillips. The midfielder came through the ranks at Leeds, his family is from that area, and he is a fan favourite – given his 226 appearances for the club.

But is it time for Phillips to try something new? Has his time at Leeds reached a ceiling? Does he now need a new drive, to match ambitions of playing in the Champions League and establishing himself as an England regular?

Perhaps, but he does have time on his side. Even if he spent the next couple of years at Leeds, that is not the end of the world. At Liverpool, there is also a question surrounding whether he would even start.