There is a clause in Kalvin Phillips’ contract that will allow the young midfielder to leave Leeds United should the Whites fail to achieve promotion back to the Premier League.
That is according to former player Noel Whelan, who told Football Insider that Leeds risk losing Phillips if they don’t reach their goal and return to the Premier League for the first time since 2004.
The 23-year-old midfielder was the subject of plenty of interest over the summer, and has even been linked with Premier League giants Manchester United in previous weeks.
Leeds fans have been hopeful that they can keep hold of Phillips, but if he is to remain at the club for the long haul it appears they will have to achieve promotion this season.
As quoted by Football Insider, Whelan said: “Kalvin’s contract is based on promotion. He has a release clause allowing him to go for a set price – more than £20million – if we don’t go up.”
Phillips has been a crucial player for Leeds United this year, helping his boyhood club to third in the Sky Bet Championship table.
He was a regular feature for Leeds under Marcelo Bielsa last year when the club looked set to return to the top flight, only to be beaten by Derby County in the Sky Bet Championship Semi-Finals.
Belief is high around Elland Road this year, with many people tipping Leeds to go all the way.
They are currently just two points away from top spot, which is occupied by West Bromwich Albion, with Preston North End in second place, only ahead of Leeds United on goal difference.
