Leeds United stance on Kalvin Phillips amid Manchester United transfer interest

Leeds United are hopeful of keeping midfielder Kalvin Phillips for one more year despite Manchester United's interest.

The Manchester Evening News revealed two weeks ago United are working on a deal for Phillips, 26, as they have prioritised a defensive midfield signing.

Sources say Leeds believe interested clubs will be reluctant to meet Phillips's valuation of around £60million after a season where he missed three-and-a-half months with a hamstring injury. West Ham and Aston Villa are also interested in Phillips, who made his first start since December 5 in the goalless draw with Crystal Palace on Monday night.

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Leeds are planning for next season on the basis Phillips will be in their squad but are resigned to the England international eventually leaving.

Phillips is about to switch agents with the intention of securing a transfer after an impressive European Championship last summer. Phillips started in all seven of England's matches en route to the final.

Phillips is contracted to Leeds until 2024 and discussions over a renewal have become protracted. Although Phillips is a boyhood Leeds fan, United have attracted a number of Leeds players in several high-profile transfers.

United convinced Joe Jordan and Gordon McQueen to cross the divide in 1978, Eric Cantona joined United six months after helping Leeds win the English league title in 1992, Rio Ferdinand became United's record signing in 2002 and Yorkshire-born Alan Smith, who claimed he would never play for United, signed for the club in 2004. Winger Arthur Graham also transferred from Leeds to United in 1983.

Leeds and United have also been in dialogue in the last two summers about Daniel James, who