Newcastle United have been credited with a transfer interest in Leeds and England midfielder Kalvin Phillips.
That move would perhaps be more plausible if Leeds got relegated from the Premier League, although they have won their last two matches late on.
And the Times report that Leeds are readying a new contract for the 26-year-old, amid the transfer speculation.
They say that West Ham and Aston Villa are also interested in the midfielder, but Leeds have no intention of selling.
Going to the London Stadium would see Phillips link up with his England midfield partner Declan Rice – or replacing him if he makes a big move in the summer.
At Villa, he could work under one of the best English central midfielders of recent times in the shape of Steven Gerrard.
Toon legend Alan Shearer said in November last year that Phillips is ‘absolutely superb’ and raved about him at Euro 2020 during England’s route to the final too.
But Newcastle are of course putting together a hugely ambitious project and it will be exciting to see who the club and Eddie Howe can attract this summer.
If Leeds are in the second tier, Phillips would surely need to come back to the Premier League in order to keep his England starting place.
That prospect looks less likely after those wins over Norwich and Wolves, but Newcastle of course still have the clout to go and get him, if they can nip in before he pens a new deal.
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