Report: Leeds eye Downes as Aston Villa prepare Kalvin Phillips bid

By Jordan Harris

Leeds United are considering a move for Flynn Downes amid doubts over the Elland Road future of Kalvin Phillips, according to a report from The Times.

Phillips is closing in on a return to the Leeds side after a few months out with injury. And it looks set to be a big boost for Jesse Marsch’s men as they continue their push to stay in the Premier League.

But it does appear that there are big concerns over Phillips’ future. The Times reports that Aston Villa lead the race to sign the England international ahead of West Ham and Newcastle.

Steven Gerrard’s men are prepared to offer £60 million for the 26-year-old. Meanwhile, it is claimed that they are willing to offer a package worth around £10 million a year to Phillips. That would work out at around £192,000-a-week.

Those numbers would be difficult for any player to turn down. And clearly, Leeds are making plans in case they do lose Phillips at the end of the season.

The Times reports that Leeds are looking at several players as replacement, with Downes named in the report.

Downes has played at every level in the EFL. And he is currently part of the Swansea side who probably have a little too much to do to get themselves into play-off contention.

They are 13 points adrift of the top six with nine games remaining. Russell Martin’s side do have two games in hand over sixth place Blackburn. But they are not the only ones.

Leeds fans may have doubts if club look to replace Kalvin Phillips with Flynn Downes

Downes was labelled ‘incredible‘ by Martin earlier in the season. And only five players average more passes per game in the second tier so far this term, according to Whoscored.

Having said that, Leeds replacing Phillips with Downes would be underwhelming for many fans. Phillips has been vital over the last few years.

And if they do cash in and receive £60 million, the fans will have hefty expectations. Plucking Downes from the Championship may not be what they have in mind.