Marcelo Bielsa opens up on Kalvin Phillips’ future as Leeds midfielder closes in on new deal

Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips against Manchester City
Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips against Manchester City - IMAGO / Pro Sports Images

Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips has been linked with a move away from the Premier League club but manager Marcelo Bielsa believes that the defensive midfielder would only leave the club if his legacy at Elland Road remained intact.

According to Sky Sports, Manchester United are keen on signing the England international.

Bielsa said: “I’m sure the day he leaves Leeds and the way that he does it, far from provoking disappointment – of course, it will generate disappointment – but it’s going to solidify his link to the club, the people and the city.

“I’m sure he would only leave if it’s guaranteed that the link to the place where he was born remains intact. He will know how to do it.”

The 25-year-old has been outstanding for Leeds since their promotion to the Premier League and he has established himself as a key player for England as well.

The highly-rated defensive midfielder was voted as England’s player of the tournament during the European Championships earlier on in the summer and it is no surprise that the top teams are hovering around him.

Manchester United could definitely use a top-class defensive midfielder like Phillips and it will be interesting to see if they can agree on a deal with their Premier League rivals.

The midfielder signed a five-year contract with Leeds back in 2019 after turning down the chance to join Aston Villa.

It seems that the midfielder could be handed another extension and his agent has dropped positive hints regarding the players future at Leeds United.

Leeds fans will certainly be hoping that the 25-year-old can continue his stay at Elland Rd for the next few seasons and it remains to be seen how his future unfolds.