ASTON VILLA have allegedly emerged as favourites to sign Kalvin Phillips and are willing to pay an ‘enormous’ salary to get him.
The Leeds United and England midfielder, 26, has won a host of admirers over the past two seasons in the Premier League.
Phillips is under contract at Elland Road until 2024.
But that has not stopped Steven Gerrard from identifying him as a ‘key target’ for this summer’s transfer window.
And The Times claims that the Villa are ‘ready to pay £60million’ to get him plus give him huge wages.
Phillips has been linked with numerous other clubs over the past year.
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But it has been West Ham and Newcastle that have been the most recent – although Villa are now reportedly leading the chase.
However, a move to the Red Devils is “impossible” due to the Old Trafford club’s rivalry with Leeds.
Jesse Marsch, who recently replaced Marcelo Bielsa in the dug-out at Elland Road, recently stated his desire to keep Phillips, Patrick Bamdord and Raphinha for ‘as long as possible’.
He said: “I haven’t spoken about long-term futures with everyone, it’s all about the present and living in the moment now.
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“Those conversations come down the road.
“I would love to keep guys like Kalvin, Patrick (Bamford) and Raphinha here as long as possible.”
Phillips has struggled with injury this term and has been restricted to just 12 top-flight appearances.
He was also an unused sub in Friday’s 3-2 win over Wolves.
