Leeds ‘not good enough’ without Phillips as source shares transfer update tonight
Gabby Agbonlahor has claimed it is “curtains” for Leeds United if Kalvin Phillips picks up an injury this season.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Aston Villa and England attacker delivered his verdict as Leeds look set to end the transfer window without signing a midfielder.
Football Insider revealed on 28 August the Whites had pulled the plug on their lengthy pursuit of Huddersfield Town’s Lewis O’Brien and the latest from a Leeds source is there is not expected to be a senior midfielder signing.
The Terriers have held firm on their £10million valuation of the 22-year-old which the Premier League club were not willing to meet.
Instead, Marcelo Bielsa will give Adam Forshaw a chance to impress after he made his first appearance in almost two years in the Carabao Cup earlier this month.
Leeds also tried to sign Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher on loan this summer before he opted to join Crystal Palace on a season-long loan deal.
Agbonlahor told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley: “The lad [Jamie] Shackleton came on and did well against Burnley.
“They’ve just got to keep Phillips fit, he’s going to be key. If he is out injured, it’s curtains in that midfield.
“Without Phillips in there you’ve seen what they’re like – not good enough.
“They’re going to have to try and keep him fit, keep him fresh and they’ll be OK.”
Shackleton has featured from the bench in Leeds’ last two Premier League games.
The 21-year-old made 13 top-flight appearances last term for the Yorkshire giants, including three starts.
In other news, a 22-year-old has agreed to quit Leeds United as four deadline-day exits are on the cards.