Paper Talk: Gerrard has dream Kalvin Phillips plan as ‘phenomenal’ Villa backed for Leeds raid

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Aston Villa are out to prise Kalvin Phillips away from Leeds United in a record deal, while Leicester consider a major sale – both in all the latest Paper Talk.

Aston Villa are ready to make a club-record £60million raid on Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips this summer, according to a report.

Phillips has emerged as one of the standout players at Leeds alongside Raphinha following his recent rise. The 26-year-old has also become an England star and was named the country’s men’s player of the year for 2020/21.

The midfielder has faced major injury struggles this season but returned to impressive effect on Saturday.

Indeed, Leeds head coach Jesse Marsch admitted he saw everything he expects from Phillips in his first appearance since December – albeit from the bench – against Southampton.

However, his fine performances have also seen him attract significant transfer attention. Aston Villa tried to sign Phillips in 2019 upon their return to the Premier League and he has remained a key target.

Indeed, boss Steven Gerrard has the same admiration for the midfielder as his predecessor Dean Smith did. The Telegraph subsequently reports that Villa are now ready to pay £60million for Phillips this summer.

Gerrard has made a defensive midfielder signing a top priority. He wants someone who can ‘screen’ his back four and move Villa up the pitch. The manager believes Phillips possesses that trait and so much more.

From L