Leeds United need to make a statement in the transfer window if they are to have any chance of keeping hold of Kalvin Phillips, claims journalist Dean Jones.

The midfielder continues to be linked with a move away from Elland Road, and Jones says that while it would be a "big loss", it is a possibility that the Whites are slowly coming to terms with.

GiveMeSport Transfer Verdict

What is the latest news involving Phillips?

According to a recent report from Football Insider, Aston Villa and West Ham have both made bids for Phillips.

However, the outlet states that the 26-year-old's heart is set on joining Manchester City, who could have to pay up to £50m for his signature this summer.

It is thought that Pep Guardiola is a huge admirer of Phillips, which is not too much of a surprise.

He has performed really well in midfield for his side, with the Leeds star ranking in the 98th percentile for pressures and the 97th for tackles among his positional peers over the last year (via FBref).

Raheem Sterling to Chelsea is ON! Hear more on The Football Terrace...

What has Jones said about Phillips and Leeds?

Jones thinks Leeds will struggle to convince Phillips to stay if they do not sign a few big players this summer.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the transfer insider said: "For Leeds, it's obviously going to be a big loss but one that they're having to come to terms with. The stage that Kalvin Phillips is at in his career, he needs to push on, and being around the England squad has just given him that drive to try and do that.

"If Leeds were to go out this summer and sign three significant players, they might change his mind, but I don't think that they're quite going to make that statement that he would need to see in order to stay."

Are Leeds doing enough in the transfer window?

The transfer window has not been open for too long, so Leeds fans can be pleased with the fact that they have already signed three players.

On one of those additions, Brenden Aaronson, manager Jesse Marsch said: "Brenden is an incredibly hard worker and we’re pleased to welcome him to the club. He adapts very well to tactical ideas and levels of play and his mentality is to do whatever it takes to help the team succeed.

"I know he will fit in here perfectly with our players and club with this mindset."

You would have to question whether Aaronson, Marc Roca and Rasmus Kristensen are going to take Leeds to the next level, though, with Phillips likely to be looking at that and beyond.

So while Leeds' trio of new signings should improve the quality and depth of Marsch's squad, their arrivals may not be enough to convince Phillips to remain at Elland Road.