Aston Villa are reportedly targeting Leeds Utd midfielder Kalvin Phillips this summer, and could be prepared to pay up to £60m to acquire him.
The 26-year-old has played a pivotal role in helping the club get back to the top flight and in their current position, and has made well over 200 appearances for his boyhood club.
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However, as they continue to fight for survival in the Premier League this season, speculation continues to build over his future at Elland Road.
As per The Times, it’s reported that Villa are leading the race for Phillips, and are ready to pay £60m to prise him away from Leeds this summer while also offering a salary worth around £10m-a-year.
It’s added that both Newcastle Utd and West Ham Utd are interested in the England international too and so Villa are likely to face competition, but time will tell if we move forward with Phillips as our top target this summer and if we can agree terms with both Leeds and the midfield man himself.
In terms of the fee and salary touted too, there could be argument to say that Villa could get better value elsewhere if we consider alternative targets, but ultimately Steven Gerrard will hopefully now know that he must improve in the defensive midfield role, and Phillips would certainly represent a massive upgrade if Villa were to secure a deal.
Perhaps much will also depend on Leeds and whether or not they protect their top flight status this season, as Phillips could be tempted to stay and help guide them further up the Premier League table and into a more competitive position in the coming years.
