Insider: Huge Leeds news now emerges before Watford on star who is in line to start – report

Transfer insider Dean Jones has made a claim regarding Leeds United star Kalvin Phillips, as per GiveMeSport.

The 26-year-old made a welcome return from injury last weekend to feature under new Whites boss Jesse Marsch for the first time. He came on as a substitute in the 1-1 draw with Southampton and is now in contention for a first start since December against Watford this afternoon.

Phillips has been linked with the likes of Aston Villa, Newcastle United and West Ham over recent weeks and is currently in the process of changing agents.

Manchester United are also thought to be ‘working on a deal’, but Jones has now made a claim on the midfielder and his thoughts on Marsch.

Speaking to GiveMeSport regarding Phillips, Jones said that the midfielder has ‘been really impressed’ by Marsch, believing that he is now ‘becoming more and more convinced’ over staying at Elland Road as a result.

The journalist said of the 26-year-old:

“They’re starting to turn the corner. He’s been really impressed by what Jesse Marsch has done so far. I do think he’s becoming more and more convinced about staying but, of course, money does talk.”

To have any chance of keeping Phillips beyond the summer, you’d expect that the Whites need to guarantee a third successive season of Premier League football over the coming weeks.

This afternoon’s trip to Vicarage Road appears to be vital when it comes to Leeds looking to pull away from the relegation zone, with a win taking them 11 points clear of their 19th-placed opponents.

Phillips reportedly wants to sign a new deal at Elland Road, so he could play a key role in receiving one by helping the club to do the business on the pitch in the final seven games of this season.

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