Reliable reporter Alan Nixon has revealed just how much Aston Villa offered Leeds United for Kalvin Phillips back in 2019.

Villa were heavily linked with a move for the midfielder after they won promotion to the Premier League two years ago. The Whites had to wait another season for their top-flight return, and Villa tried their best to land the holding midfielder the previous summer.

Dean Smith eventually brought in Douglas Luiz and Marvelous Nakamba to bolster his holding midfield ranks, with reports suggesting that Villa bid £25m for the now England international.

However, Nixon revealed on Thursday that this was not the case.

The Latest: Nixon’s claim

Nixon, who writes for The Sun, was talking about Burnley’s interest in Phillips two years ago. He claimed that the Clarets offered £17m for the midfielder, whereas Villa’s bid was worth £15m.

As we know, Phillips stayed at Elland Road and signed a new long-term deal a few months after the links, with Leeds wanting £30m that summer.

The Verdict: If only Villa paid double…

It’s easy to say now in hindsight, but you’d expect that Villa will be kicking themselves by not signing Phillips two years ago.

He has gone on to star under Marcelo Bielsa in the Premier League and is currently impressing at Euro 2020 under Gareth Southgate, playing more minutes than almost every other England outfield player.

Yes, he would’ve been a club-record signing at the time for a player who then had no top-flight or international experience, but as we now know, it would’ve probably been a deal worthy of the fee in the long run.

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