Phillips hails 'unbelievable' news as Leeds open big-money contract talks

Leeds United are looking to to tie Kalvin Phillips down to a new contract to protect the club from future bids.

That is the view of former Sunderland and England striker Kevin Phillips, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the "unbelievable" 25-year-old's future at Elland Road.

This site revealed on September 16th that the Whites have opened preliminary talks with the centre-midfielder over a new long-term deal.

Football Insider understands as of last Friday that the England star wants to commit the best years of his career to his boyhood club.

Phillips has three years left on his current contract.

When asked by Football Insider's Dylan Childs for his assessment of the news, Kevin Phillips said:

"Leeds have probably learned from other clubs who have let their players run their contracts down do the final 12 months. We have seen it a lot at Arsenal. I'm sure they are one of the clubs who have learned from that.

"Phillips is an unbelievable player. He is still relatively young so get him on a long-term contract.

"That way, even if a big club comes knocking in the summer they can demand top dollar for him. They will be able to ask for more because he will have four, five years left on his contract.

"I expect him to have another great season and if Leeds continue to struggle I'm certain a few clubs will try and test their resolve with a bid."

In other news, Leeds set sights on signing 22-year-old after talks held.