Leeds source drops major behind-scenes update, it's the news supporters want to hear - opinion

Leeds United are preparing to offer Kalvin Phillips a new contract amid rumours of a move away from Elland Road this summer.

The England international has missed a considerable amount of this season due to injury, but speculation linking him with an exit from the club has been widely touted.

And now, according to The Times, fellow Premier League sides West Ham and Aston Villa are both interested in signing him in the upcoming summer transfer window, but that Jesse Marsch’s side are keen to stave those attempts off.

The report claims that not only is a new and improved deal being prepared and that talks will commence once the season is over, but sources within the club are confident that Phillips wants to stay put in Yorkshire.

While news of the interest from West Ham and Villa is hardly surprisingly given the kind of calibre of player Phillips is, the crucial update that the club believe he will spurn those advances to stay at the club is what all Leeds supporters would have been desperate to hear.

Speaking earlier in the season, former Aston Villa man Gabby Agbonlahor tipped Phillips to sign a new contract at Elland Road on one specific condition.

He said: “He’s going to have aspirations of playing at the top. I’m sure his agent will say ‘We’ll sign a new contract with a release clause’.

“Then Leeds will get the right sort of money that they deserve. He doesn’t seem like the sort of player who would want to leave Leeds for a small fee because he’s got a year left.”

Whether a release clause gets included in this potential new deal remains to be seen, but tying him down to a fresh contract could and probably will be the biggest piece of business Leeds could do in the summer transfer window.

AND in other news: Phil Hay