Blockbuster Leeds United transfer could leave Aston Villa with no choice

If Aston Villa are in the market to sign Kalvin Phillips this summer then it would be a massive statement of intent from the club's owners.

Phillips is a target for Villa and would be perhaps Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens' biggest move yet if they are able to convince the England star to leave Leeds United for Villa Park. A boyhood Leeds fan who hails from the city, Phillips has transformed his career to become a key player for Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate and one of the best players in his position in the Premier League.

He has gone on quite a journey with Leeds, who are now a Premier League team once again and laden with talent. Phillips is not alone in being the subject of intense transfer interest, nor in his status as a valuable asset.

Crucial defeats of Wolverhampton Wanderers and Norwich City in their last couple of games have seen Leeds ease their relegation worries, with the gap to the drop zone now at seven points to Watford in 18th place. However, Phillips will look at the hard work Villa have had to put in just to get to mid-table in the Premier League and wonder if he has the time on his hands with his 27th birthday approaching in December.

Villa want to go for Europe next season and they have the financial muscle as well as the players to do that. Leeds, meanwhile, are expected to open talks with Phillips and will certainly not countenance the sale of two of their key players this summer.

Barcelona are said to be keen on signing their Brazilian winger Raphinha. Raphinha, also linked with Liverpool, signed for Leeds in October 2020 for about £17 million and with another couple of seasons left on his contract Jesse Marsch's side can get a big fee for the player if they opt to sell this summer.

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