Simon Jordan tells Leeds United how to stop Aston Villa transfer

Former Crystal Palace owner Simon Jordan thinks Leeds United's grand plans for Jesse Marsch can convince Kalvin Philips to remain at Elland Road.

Phillips is a transfer target for Aston Villa ahead of the summer window, with Steven Gerrard keen to convince the England star to become part of his project at Villa Park. Leeds have been in relegation trouble all season, but Marsch has steered his side to two wins in their last couple of games to put seven points between them and Watford in 18th place.

The 26-year-old, meanwhile, is out of contract at the end of the 2023-24 season, and it has been reported that Leeds are keen to open talks with the player. Villa are gunning for European football, having stabilised in their third campaign back in the Premier League, and Phillips could be keen to get involved as Gerrard's side go for European football next season.

Jordan, who is a pundit for radio station talkSPORT, reckons Leeds will be able to keep hold of Phillips if they map out their strategy to the midfielder for their next steps. Leeds are likely to have to fend off interest not just from Villa but also West Ham United, who made a move for the player in January.

"We are talking about Phillips, and we are talking about where he is," Jordan said. "I think Leeds are a big club, I think Villa are a big club, and I think West Ham are a big club.

"He is in a position where he has got this opportunity to consider between these three clubs. "If Leeds can get themselves focused and streamlined and are prepared to support whomever the manager is, I'd like to think he would stay there.

"But you can make an argument for all three of them because West Ham have done wonderfully this year. "I'd make a case, if I was Angus Kinnear