Leeds United warned to face consequences, if both Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha are sold

Raphinha-Leeds United

Leeds United were warned that they could be dragged into another relegation battle in coming season, if they sell both Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha this summer.

Former Premier League striker Chris Sutton has warned Leeds United that they will be unable to avoid relegation next season if they lose Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha this summer.

The Lily Whites survived relegation on the last day of last season after a miserable season that saw them sack their head coach Marcelo Bielsa.

Despite missing relegation by a tiny margin, Leeds are on the verge of losing their two best players. Brazilian winger Raphinha has been attracting interest from several clubs, including Arsenal and Barcelona, while English midfielder Kalvin Phillips is closing in on a £45million switch to Manchester City.

With both players likely to depart this summer, Sutton is worried for Jesse Marsch’s men.

“What about Kalvin Phillips from Leeds to Manchester City. Where does that leave Leeds?” Sutton asked on BBC Radio 5 Live Sport.

“Their best two players look like they are away. Jesse Marsch came in and he kept them up. But that’s not a good look.”

Meanwhile, Leeds have already made three signings in the current transfer window.

The Yorkshire club have brought in Brenden Aaronson and Rasmus Kristensen from Red Bull Salzburg, and Marc Roca away from Bayern Munich.

However, Sutton thinks that Jesse Marsch’s side will have to make further additions to their squad if they want to successfully replace Phillips and Raphinha.

“They are going to have to do some recruiting themselves, Leeds.

“That was a legitimate criticism (on Leeds not improving their squad). Bielsa liked to work with a small and thin squad. They got away with it last season.

“But if you are a Leeds fan, you are thinking “, blimey, our two-star men are off. How are we going to stay in the Premier League next season?”

Leeds have launched a £26m bid for Club Brugge forward Charles de Ketelaere. They have also held talks with RB Leipzig’s Tyler Adams and Red Bull Salzburg’s Mohamed Kamara in recent days.