Leeds' Kalvin Phillips faces another 'crazy decision' as Aston Villa propose eye-watering wages

Aston Villa are reportedly willing to smash their transfer record to sign Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips this summer.

England international Phillips could leave his boyhood club at the end of this season amid interest from top Premier League clubs. Villa are said to be one team preparing to make their move, while Phillips is yet to sign a new deal at Elland Road.

Though, the midfielder has expressed a desire to enter talks over signing a new contract having last penned fresh terms in 2019. That came after Villa reportedly lodged a £25million bid for him after they returned to the Premier League after gaining promotion out of the Championship.

But Phillips remained at Leeds and managing director Angus Kinnear claimed back in 2020 that the Leeds star made 'absolutely crazy financial decision' to stay with Leeds that summer. The 26-year-old rejected these overtures, signing a new five-year contract and helping the club to promotion.

"Everybody wants to play for Leeds in the Premier League," Kinnear said shorlty after Leeds were confirmed as Championship champions two years ago. "Last year it was a bit more challenging. If you wanted an example of what makes this club truly special, it's very difficult to talk about club loyalty existing in football nowadays. I don't think it exists. But it existed with Kalvin Phillips.

"Kalvin Phillips made an absolutely crazy financial decision to stay with Leeds United for another year. It made no sense. But he did it because he believed in the club. He loves the club. And he wanted to take us back where we belong. We asked him to give us one more year and you'll be playing for Leeds United in the Premier League."

The Thorp Arch academy product's future is however set to be a