Mills Exclusive: Leeds may have to sell star against his wishes after comments

Danny Mills insisted Kalvin Phillips will not spend his entire career at Leeds United despite the midfielder suggesting so this week.

The former England international, speaking exclusively to Football Insider correspondent Dylan Childs, claimed there may even come a point where, financially, the club will be forced to sell their prize asset.

The 24-year-old told FourFourTwo magazine, “I want to spend my career at Leeds and see this club doing well in the Premier League.”

Phillips signed a contract extension in September that will keep him at Elland Road until 2024.

However, as revealed by Football Insider, the defensive midfielder has a release clause in his new deal believed to be in the region of £20-25million.

Mills doubted whether the local lad could fulfill his full potential with the Whites.

"Kalvin is a Leeds lad and we know how important Leeds will be to him and how special it would be to get promoted," he told Football Insider.

"Realistically, he will be looking to play for England in the next few years and I doubt Leeds will be challenging for the Champions League or title in the next three seasons.

"You look at Gerrard, Carragher, and Terry but they were winning things - that is why they stayed.

"If a massive club comes in with a big bid and trebles his wages - it is a no brainer. As much as you love the club, it is a no brainer.

"Football is a business and when we come out of this current situation it will be more of a business. Every player has their price."

Phillips has been an integral figure in recent seasons, featuring 34 times this campaign.

United currently sit top of the Championship and primed for a first return to the Premier League since 2004.

In other Leeds United news, Noel Whelan has told Football Insider club have opened talks with defender over new deal.