"They will..." - Journalist drops intriguing Leeds transfer claim with Kalvin Phillips set to go

Leeds United should prioritise luring a dynamic midfielder to Elland Road as they look to spend the cash from Kalvin Phillips’ impending sale to Manchester City, according to Daily Express journalist Ryan Taylor.

Phillips appears to be on his way to the Premier League champions after a fee worth an initial £42million, but rising by a further £3million in add-ons, was agreed on Friday.

Leeds have been frustrated in their attempts to lure Otavio to Yorkshire as they had a £26million bid knocked back by Porto earlier this week.

According to The Athletic, the Whites are now pursuing Club Brugge attacking midfielder Charles de Ketelaere, with the 21-year-old being seen as a potential option who could fill in as a false nine when required.

However, it will not be easy to strike a deal as the report suggests the eight-cap Belgium international is also being courted by newly-crowned Serie A champions AC Milan.

Despite that, Leeds are attempting to win the race for de Ketelaere’s signature by launching a £26million bid.

Transfer insider Dean Jones has previously revealed to GIVEMESPORT that Sheffield United midfielder Sander Berge has been identified as a potential arrival to soften the blow of Phillips’ exit.

Taylor believes Marc Roca, who is among the players to have been drafted in by head coach Jesse Marsch since the transfer window reopened, is intended to be Phillips’ direct replacement as a defensive midfielder.

However, the journalist is adamant that Marsch, who was appointed in February, needs to add some creativity to his squad.

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Taylor told GIVEMESPORT: “To be honest, stylistically, I think Marc Roca will be a replacement for Phillips.

“But,