"Almost certain..." - Journalist now drops big Leeds claim on future of £60m Elland Road star

Leeds United star Kalvin Phillips ‘holds all the cards’ over his future and he is likely to leave Elland Road if the Whites are relegated, according to freelance journalist Jacque Talbot.

The Yorkshire giants remain in serious danger of dropping into the Championship as, heading into their final match of the season, they are just one point clear of the Premier League’s bottom three.

Newcastle United and Aston Villa are reportedly leading the race to sign Phillips ahead of the summer transfer window opening for business.

West Ham United are also known to be interested, having seen a £50million bid turned down by Leeds in January.

Manchester United are another Premier League outfit mulling over making a move, but there are doubts as to whether the 26-year-old would be willing to join his current employers’ arch-rivals.

Although Leeds are understood to value Phillips at £60million, they may be unable to recoup anywhere near that figure if they fail to maintain their Premier League status.

That is because owner Andrea Radrizzani has written a release clause into the central midfielder’s contract and it can only be activated if they drop into the Championship.

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Talbot believes Phillips is in control of his own destiny, which could prove costly for Leeds.

The journalist feels it is increasingly likely that the fans’ favourite will leave Elland Road if the Whites are condemned to the drop.

Talbot told GIVEMESPORT: “If relegation happens, Phillips holds all the cards.

“I think he has changed agencies recently and players often do that when they want to push through moves.

“I’d imagine, if Leeds go down, it’s almost certain that Phillips would go and I