Leeds United star Kalvin Phillips keen on contract extension at Elland Road | OneFootball

Leeds United could be set for a huge boost as news emerges from Thorp Arch about Kalvin Phillips’ future at the club.

What’s the story?

According to recent reports, Marcelo Bielsa’s side have opened preliminary talks over a new contract with their star midfielder, and it now appears that Phillips himself is keen to stay put in Yorkshire.

Football Insider claim that “a source with knowledge of Phillips’ situation” has indicated “the player is very keen on signing an extension with the club he has spent his entire career.”

It’s added that “Leeds want to tie down their academy product to a new and improved contract that would keep him beyond the summer of 2024.”

Fans will be buzzing

The England international has emerged as one of the country’s standout performers, even being named by BT as the men’s senior player of the year for the Three Lions.

That has come off the back of a truly remarkable few years for Phillips, particularly since Bielsa arrived at Elland Road, and former Leeds man Danny Mills has suggested that his rise could see some of the big clubs come calling.

He said: “The more and more that he’s involved with England, he’s going to start to hear what other clubs do. His head will be turned and rightly so by players saying ‘We’re playing against Real Madrid’ ‘We’re playing against PSG’ ‘We’re playing against Barcelona’.

“Undoubtedly there will be a part of him thinking ‘I want a part of that, I want to test myself against the best’. If Leeds progress and make it that way, then brilliant. But it’s the second season in the Premier League so you’re going to have to be more realistic than that.

“Another good season this year and there will be some very, very serious offers that come in for Kalvin Phillips.”

Last season saw the Whites struggle without their midfield lynchpin, winning just two out of nine Premier League games that he missed (losing the other seven), and that saw Darren Bent speak about the importance of the England international to his club.

The former Sunderland striker said: “It is a unique role, and you think who else can they get in that position who can do the job effectively. The answer to that is no one. He’s that good of a player that it’s hard to replace him.”

So, the fact that Phillips sees his long-term future at Elland Road as contract talks get underway is sure to have fans absolutely buzzing.

Meanwhile, this Leeds star was superb vs Newcastle…