One of the major talking points in the Premier League this summer could be Kalvin Phillips' future. The Leeds United midfielder has been heavily linked with a move away from Elland Road and there are a number of teams who are supposedly keen on signing him.
According to a fresh report from the Telegraph, Newcastle United have joined Manchester United, Liverpool and Aston Villa in the race to sign Phillips in the summer transfer window. It is understood that it could take around £60million for the Whites to be temped to sell their star man.
However, Leeds are also very keen on keeping the 26-year-old who has been an integral member of the side after making his first-team debut in 2015, featuring over 200 times in total. Phillips and the club are reportedly still in negotiations over a new contract, with his current deal expiring in just over two years' time.
READ MORE: Micah Richards delivers Kalvin Phillips' England verdict as Leeds United man has an 'uphill task'
Having just returned from four months out with a hamstring injury, Phillips will be hoping to have a strong end to the season to ensure he is fully fit going into the summer. So, with that mind, LeedsLive have taken a look at all the options Phillips may have and why he has a massive decision to make regarding his long-term future.
Stay at Leeds United
Although there has been plenty of talk about him leaving, Leeds fans' preferred option for Phillips is for him to stay at the Whites and put pen to paper on a new and improved contract. He has enjoyed so much success at Leeds throughout his first seven years as a professional, guiding the club back to the Premier League and helping them to a ninth-place finish.
It has been reported that Phillips was waiting for Leeds' top-flight status to be confirmed for next season, so he has assurances of what division his boyhood club would be playing in. There is no doubt it is crucial that Phillips must be playing at the highest level to ensure he has the best possible chance of making the England squad for the Qatar World Cup later this year.
Now, Leeds must convince Phillips that they are beginning to build under Jesse Marsch and are ready to invest in the summer. The Whites cannot have another season of fighting for survival if they want to push for European football in years to come - with Victor Orta previously hinting they hope to replicate Leicester's success.
If Leeds can persuade Phillips that they will be better next term, then there is a good chance he stays at the Whites considering his fond relationship with the club, city and the supporters. He is a firm fans' favourite at Elland Road and arguably wouldn't get the same reception if he was to move elsewhere for the 2022/23 campaign.
Manchester United
It has been a below-par season for Manchester United so far, with the Red Devils sitting seventh and unlikely to make the Champions League places for the first time in four years. They are 10 points worse off than this time last season and have struggled for any kind of consistency, especially with their team selection.
There is a clear sign of where Manchester United need to strengthen, though. With Nemanja Matic coming towards the end of his career, Scott McTominay struggling for form and Paul Pogba out of contract in the summer, the Red Devils are in desperate need of a new central defensive midfielder.
A number of names have been mentioned, including Leicester City's Wilfried Ndidi and West Ham United star Declan Rice, but Phillips has been tipped to make the move to Old Trafford despite the two clubs' bitter rivalry. This could be a potential option for Phillips as he searches for European football and trophies, however, there are other teams interested in him, too.
Newcastle United
The latest team to join the battle for Phillips' signature, Newcastle are supposedly plotting a move for the England international. With the Magpies set for a busy summer window as the new Saudi-led owners look to strengthen their squad, Phillips is a name that has been mentioned at St James' Park.
Although Newcastle seem well-stocked in central midfield following the signing of Bruno Guimaraes in January, they could do with another couple of bodies through the door to further bolster their ranks given Jonjo Shelvey's age and injury record. Joelinton and Joe Willock aren't natural defensive midfielders, which may open up a space for Phillips to fill in the side.
Eddie Howe has completely transformed the Magpies since becoming the club's manager, taking them from rock bottom and towards mid-table. However, the Magpies have ambitions to push further up the division next season and Phillips could be a part of that project given his qualities and experience in the league.
Aston Villa
Another club who have been strongly backed to make a bid for Phillips is Aston Villa given the ambition of the club's board. One huge attraction of joining the West Midlands club is the fact that legendary midfielder Steven Gerrard is the club's manager and he could be a massive pull for players moving to Villa Park.
Phillipe Coutinho has already made the switch from Barcelona and it is being reported that a major reason was due to his relationship with the former Liverpool captain. Gerrard has been voted one of the greatest Premier League midfielders of all-time and the chance to work under a person of that stature shouldn't be underestimated.
Gerrard could improve Phillips in a number of areas, including his ball progression and positional sense in and out of possession, which could make him an ever better player. However, Villa's current league position may put him off, given that they have only picked up six more points than Leeds this season, sitting 11th in the process.
Liverpool
Many pundits feel Phillips would be a perfect fit for Jurgen Klopp's side, and take the role of midfield lynchpin. Jordan Henderson turns 32 this summer and, while he shows no signs of slowing down, the Reds will always have one eye on developing their squad. Phillips would have to compete with the the likes of Fabinho, Tiago, Naby Keita and Curtis Jones for a place in the engine room, but with Liverpool's attacking flair, he could fit the bill for some bite in the centre of the park. Champions League football and working with Klopp - it would tempt many a player.
Other teams who are reportedly interested:
Chelsea, West Ham United
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