Former Leeds forward Noel Whelan believes the club will be able to keep hold of star man Kalvin Phillips this summer.
Speculation has continued to mount that the 23-year-old could move on following their failed bid to return to the Premier League last season.
Wolves, Aston Villa and Bournemouth are said to have shown an interest in the player, although various media reports suggest that the Elland Road club are looking to extend Phillips’ current contract beyond the summer of 2021.
Of the clubs keen on a move for the midfielder, Villa are the ones reportedly ready to make a £14million bid, but Whelan insists that Phillips wants to stay with Marcelo Bielsa’s men.
Whelan, who made 48 appearances during his two years at Leeds, told Football Insider: “I know Kalvin is desperate to stay at Leeds.
“I’ve spoken to his agent, who told me he’d love to stay at the club. There is no hiding that.”
And when asked about the prospect of a new deal for Phillips, Whelan believes that the interest in the midfielder is a big test for owner Andrea Radrizzani – who sold Ronaldo Vieira and Chris Wood in previous transfer windows.
The 44-year-old added: “The club need to put their money where their mouth is.
“I have no doubt Marcelo Bielsa wants Kalvin Phillips at the club, and they need to show him that he is wanted by the club.
“He is away on holiday at the minute and, hopefully, when he comes back, he can agree a new deal.
“It’s definitely a test for Mr Radrizzani. The interest in Phillips is real. You’ve got Bournemouth, I’m hearing Wolves and there is Villa as well.
“There’s Premier League teams that realise the importance of a player like Phillips.”
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