Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa believes Kalvin Phillips would only leave to join a team where ‘the link to the place he was born remains intact’, ruling out any interest from Manchester United.
Phillips is Leeds born and bred, becoming a key player for Bielsa as the Whites returned to the Premier League last season.
His performances earned him a place in Gareth Southgate’s starting XI for Euro 2020, before being named England’s Player of the Year after an impressive showing.
Phillips’ displays have inevitably led to links with a number of Champions League level sides. Leeds are attempting to counteract any doubts with a new long-term contract.
One report has claimed that an unlikely source is interested in Phillip’s services – Manchester United – who are bitter rivals of the Yorkshire club.
Bielsa has since had those claims put to him, and said he can only see his star midfielder leaving for a club where his reputation stays intact.
“He’s very important to us. I’ve seen conduct in him I rarely see in a player,” Bielsa said.
“For a player to decline a club from a higher level due to the love of a club he is at is not frequent.
“One day he’ll stop playing for Leeds and the way he does it will convert him to an idol forever. I have a feeling. It’s intuition.
“I’m sure he would only leave if he sees the link to the place he was born remains intact. He will know how to do this.”
The shock option of a move to Manchester may soon be ruled out though, with Phillips set to be rewarded for his performances with a new contract at Elland Road.
Speaking to the i, Phillips’ agent Kevin Sharp said: “I’ve had positive discussions with Leeds United throughout the summer on a new contract for Kalvin.
“Talks are ongoing and I can only see a positive outcome. Kalvin’s desire is to stay at Leeds United and there is a real willingness from all sides to make it happen.”
The 25-year-old has again been included in Southgate’s England squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers and said: “The feelings always the same getting the call up, another two important games to get closer to Qatar.”
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