Aston Villa have been given hope in their pursuit of Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips after journalist Dean Jones revealed he ‘could see why’ he’d consider making the move.
The Villans have been linked to several engine room operators in recent months as new manager Steven Gerrard looks to make his mark on the squad he inherited back in November.
What is the latest news involving Phillips?
According to The Times, Villa are now believed to be the ‘frontrunners’ in the race to secure Phillips’ signature over the summer and are prepared to pay £60 million for him.
It’s also claimed that a financial package in the region of £10m a year is set to be put on the table by the Midlands outfit in order to fend off interest from his other potential suitors Newcastle United and West Ham.
Meanwhile, previous reports by the Daily Star state that Premier League giants Manchester United and Liverpool are set to enter a bidding war for Phillips after an outstanding 2020/21 campaign.
However, The Times also revealed that the Leeds hierarchy are preparing to offer Phillips a new and improved contract in an attempt to keep him at his boyhood club.
The England international has just over two years left to run on his existing £38,000-per-week deal and could seek pastures new rather than putting pen to paper of fresh terms.
What has Jones said about Phillips?
It appears as though Phillips is not going to be short of potential suitors when the market reopens, but Jones believes Villa may have an advantage over their rivals.
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The transfer insider believes the opportunity to work under a legendary midfield figure such as Gerrard is ‘going to help’ Villa in their quest to bring the defensive-minded dynamo to the club.
Jones told GiveMeSport: “It's going to help them, and at this point in time, you could see why Kalvin Phillips might even consider that.”
Who else could Aston Villa sign?
With Douglas Luiz continuing to be heavily linked to Arsenal after approaching the final 12 months of his contract, Villa reportedly have several midfielders on their radar.
Gerrard confirmed that the Midlanders had a bid rejected for Yves Bissouma by Brighton during the January transfer window, while Leicester City’s Wilfred Ndidi is believed to be another potential option.
It remains to be seen who Villa move for following the conclusion of the current campaign, but a new holding midfielder seems to be at the top of Gerrard’s wish list for next term.