Aston Villa target close to penning new Leeds deal

 

Leeds are closing to tying Kalvin Phillips down to a new five-year deal, reports the Telegraph. 

 

The 23-year-old was subject to Premier League interest over the summer, with Aston Villa seeing a £15m rejected for the defensive midfielder. 

 

Tottenham were also tentatively linked with a move for Phillips when they were closing in on the capture of Jack Clarke, however the signing of Tanguy Ndombele ended any speculation of a possible transfer. 

 

Both Leeds and Phillips have been negotiating over a new contract for some time now and the breakthrough in talks will serve as a huge boost for head coach Marcelo Bielsa. 

 

Phillips has been one Leeds’ shining lights in the Championship this season having landed a WhoScored rating of 7.30. 

 

Aston Villa target close to penning new Leeds deal

 

The ball winner has made more tackles (28) than any other player in the Championship this term and news of his impending new deal will come as a blow to potential suitors. 

 

Leeds will hope to bounce back against Barnsley after the international break having fallen to a 1-0 home loss to Swansea last time out, which saw them relinquish top spot.