Leeds United may already have ‘next Kalvin Phillips’ in their ranks after transfer reveal – pundit
Alex McLeish has suggested Leeds United may already have a replacement for Kalvin Phillips among their youth setup.
The former Scotland manager, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted Jesse Marsch would be looking into the Whites’ academy to see if anyone can step up into the first team next season.
As revealed by Football Insider on Monday (21 March), West Ham are among the clubs in the hunt to sign Phillips this summer and are preparing a big-money offer.
The Telegraph (20 March) claim Aston Villa are also preparing a summer move.
Leeds have reportedly identified several targets, including Swansea’s Flynn Downes, as potential replacements for Phillips.
However, McLeish suggested the Whites could already have a young star to fill the void.
Discussing how tough it would be for Leeds to replace Phillips, McLeish told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “It is, unless they’ve got somebody coming through.
“Just like if West Ham lose (Declan) Rice, they’re looking at Phillips. If Leeds lose Phillips, they’re possibly looking at somebody else.
“Or maybe somebody within the camp, the next Phillips, that they see can take over his position. If Jesse Marsch wants to play a different system, then he may feel he’s got the talent within.
“I don’t know what’s in there but certainly, there are all these kinds of strategies. They have to be put through the mill and through the process.”
Leeds have the likes of Lewis Bate, Jack Jenkins and Stuart McKinstry coming through the ranks in midfield.
Adam Forshaw filled in for Phillips during the England international’s lengthy injury absence.
In other news, Football Insider can reveal a major update on Leeds United pursuit of long-term attacking target.