Leeds United may now have ‘very impressive’ Kalvin Phillips successor lined up – pundit
Alex McLeish has suggested Leeds United may view Manchester United midfielder James Garner as a potential replacement for Kalvin Phillips.
The former Scotland manager, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the 21-year-old has been “very impressive” during his loan spell at Nottingham Forest.
As reported by the Daily Mail on Wednesday (30 March), Leeds are keeping close tabs on Garner with a view to a potential summer move.
As revealed by Football Insider (21 March), the Whites’ interest comes as West Ham prepare a big-money move to sign Phillips this summer.
Leeds value the midfielder at £60-70million and are trying to tie him down to a new contract.
However, McLeish suggested Garner may be seen as an option to fill the void should the homegrown star leave Elland Road.
Asked if he thought Leeds view Garner as a replacement for Phillips, McLeish told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “Yeah, he could be.
“Garner has been very impressive, as have Nottingham Forest. Credit to the manager.
“He’s done a good job since coming in and transformed them. My big compatriot Scott McKenna has shown some great form as well.
“It looks like a team that is buzzing right now. Steve Cooper has done well. When he went there initially, you’re thinking can he do what other good managers that have been there never quite achieved.
“The proof is in the pudding.”
Garner has played 31 times for Forest this season, having returned for a second loan spell last summer.
He has made seven appearances for Manchester United.
In other news, Jack Grealish cited in £42.4million-plus Leeds United transfer claim.