Leeds United already know Kalvin Phillips' plans amid Aston Villa transfer links

Kalvin Phillips has already indicated that he’s ‘very happy’ at Leeds United and wants a new contract with his boyhood club amid transfer interest from Aston Villa.

The Lions are on the look-out for a new holding midfielder in the summer having failed to tempt Brighton into parting with Yves Bissouma prior to the closure of the January transfer window, as confirmed by boss Steven Gerrard. Leicester City star Wilfred Ndidi has also been identified as a potential target, but last week the name of Leeds and England international Phillips - who was wanted by Gerrard’s predecessor Dean Smith - resurfaced.

Phillips, who was crowned the Three Lions’ 2021 player of the year after a sterling Euros last year, has spent the best part of the last three months on the sidelines after picking up a hamstring injury in a draw with Brentford prior to Christmas. He’s set to return in time to aid Leeds’ battle against relegation, which has kicked into gear recently with successive wins over Norwich and Wolves under new boss Jesse Marsch.

Phillips is a Leeds academy product and he’s risen through to the top flight and onto the international stage while remaining at the club. His current deal expires in the summer of 2024 but he wants to commit his long-term future further - provided they remain in the Premier League this season.

“Going from Championship to Premier League to England Player of the Year, it was an eye-opener and made me realise, ‘I can do this’,” Phillips told the Mail before Christmas. “Everything came together, the hard work taking me where I wanted to be.

"If I carry on doing that, who knows where I’ll end up? I just want to focus on getting back fit, but I speak to the owner regularly. I want a new contract. I’m very