Former Leeds United defender Danny Mills believes the sale of Kalvin Phillips to Manchester City will leave a gaping hole in the side heading into next season.
Phillips, 26, is edging ever closer to agreeing a deal with the current Premier League champions, with the fee thought to be in the region of £42m.
The Three Lions international will join fellow summer signing Erling Haaland at the Etihad, as City look to bolster all areas of their squad heading into the 22/23 campaign.
Mills, who spoke to Sky Sports News earlier this morning, believes the Whites will have to act both quickly and smartly in order to secure a suitable like-minded midfielder this summer.
"To replace him at Leeds will be very very difficult," began the 45-year-old. "I watched a lot of games when they were in the Championship and again last season when Leeds were having a difficult spell and Kalvin [Phillips] wasn't in the team.
"He leaves a huge gap in that midfield, he's an exceptional player, his experience is vital and he was almost the glue that held Leeds together an awful lot. They are going to have to move on and find a younger, talented player for that sort of money to try and replace him. That's not going to be easy."
READ NEXT
Leeds United's Kalvin Phillips exit turns up the pressure on decisive phase in their transfer window
Leeds United news as Victor Orta sets new asking price for in demand winger Raphinha
Former Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa ruled out of Athletic Bilbao reunion
FIFA rule change hands Patrick Bamford extra Leeds United motivation following injury hell
Kalvin Phillips nears Leeds United exit with Man City deal potentially worth more than £50m
