Leeds United will find it hard to keep hold of Kalvin Phillips if Manchester United bid for him in January, according to Alex McLeish.
The Lowdown: Phillips linked with United move
The 25-year-old has matured into one of the best midfielders in the country, producing consistently excellent performances for Leeds and also winning England's Player of the Year award.
With his reputation seemingly being enhanced by the week, Phillips has unsurprisingly been linked with a move away from Elland Road, with Manchester United tipped to sign him.
His current Leeds deal expires in 2024, although there has been talk of him agreeing a new contract.
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The Latest: McLeish makes worrying claim
Speaking to Football Insider, McLeish gave a seven-word verdict regarding a potential move to Old Trafford for the Leeds midfielder, saying that it would be "tough for him to turn it down".
The former Premier League manager then added:
"Jack Grealish was a fan of Aston Villa all his life, but he had his head turned by a dominant club like Manchester City.
"It’s the same thing – if United come and go all the way with their interest, it is hard for him to stay."
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The Verdict: Last season at Leeds?
Sadly, as McLeish has hinted, it does feel as though the £36m-rated Phillips' time as a Leeds player could be reaching its natural conclusion, with his head potentially being turned by the prospect of a move elsewhere.
That may not be as soon as January, but a summer exit could be on the cards should a Champions League-playing club come in for him.
It would be premature to rule out the idea of Phillips simply staying put at Elland Road for many more years, but as things stand, he may believe that the peak years of his career lie elsewhere.
In other news, Phil Hay has given an important Leeds injury update. Read more here.