According to journalist David Anderson, writing in The Mirror, Leeds United are going to have to brace themselves against a £30million raid by Tottenham Hotspur for Kalvin Phillips.
In an article just published, Anderson says “Tottenham have launched a second raid on Leeds after joining the bidding for rising midfield star Kalvin Phillips.”
Whilst interest was known in Phillips from Aston Villa, indeed the Villans are said to have had a lowly £11million bid rejected, the news that Spurs are in the hunt is something new altogether.
Phillips was reborn under Marcelo Bielsa’s style of football that Leeds United took on after the legendary Argentinian’s appointment last season. He went from pilloried to praised, from cat called to first named on the teamsheet. It really was a remarkable turnaround for the Leeds-born lad.
Installed as a vital cog in Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds United side, Phillips’ conversion to a defensive midfielder has unleashed a player not only of some repute but also of some worth. He’s that combative type of player who sides tend to fall over to land.
United’s valuation of Phillips, who blossomed under Bielsa’s tutelage last season, is an eye-watering £30million. That amount is high and a reflection of both his value and the determination of Leeds to effectively force suitors away.
However, there is always a chance that Spurs will go big before going home on this one. Backed by Premier League monies, they could easily call United’s bluff and easily match that £30million valuation.
That is a very real risk that Leeds United run as they continue talks with their midfield star. Phillips is set to depart as part of Leeds United’s Australia tour party, although this news from Spurs will throw a spanner in those particular works.
