Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips is a long-term target for Aston Villa, according to The Athletic’s Gregg Evans.

The Lowdown: Midfielder wanted

Villa have enjoyed a fairly productive transfer window this month, bringing in four senior players with Calum Chambers the latest to arrive from Arsenal.

However, the club were looking to bolster their midfield ranks during the winter window, with bids made for Yves Bissouma and Rodrigo Bentancur.

Evans revealed at the beginning of the month that Villa still admire Phillips after attempting to sign the Whites star in 2019.

The Latest: Evans’ tweet

Evans took to Twitter on Sunday morning to provide an update on Villa’s pursuit of a midfielder.

He revealed that the club won’t pay Brighton’s asking price for Bissouma, while a deal couldn’t be agreed for Bentancur. The reliable reporter added that Phillips is 'also' a long-term target.

“Aston Villa have been after Yves Bissouma since the summer but won’t pay the price Brighton are asking. Kalvin Phillips is also a long-term target as reported last month. Bentancur scouted but couldn’t agree a deal. DM search may now go into next season…”

The Verdict: Ambitious…

Phillips, who shared his love for Steven Gerrard over the summer, has also been linked with a move to Liverpool and Manchester United in recent months, so you could argue that a possible move to Villa Park would be an ambitious one.

West Ham were quickly shut down in their late pursuit of both Phillips and Raphinha this weekend, so the 26-year-old could be a player in demand ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

Should Villa and numerous other sides firm up their interest, that could spark a bidding war in excess of the £50m the Hammers were preparing to offer this month, meaning he could become Villa’s club-record signing by some distance.

In other news: 'Oh my days', 'Are you joking?' - Many Aston Villa fans erupt at late exit update.