Leeds United will be able to 'demand top dollar' for Kalvin Phillips if they're successful in tying him down to a new contract, according to Sky Sports pundit Kevin Phillips. 

The lowdown

Football Insider reported last week that Leeds have opened preliminary talks with the midfielder over a new long-term contract. The player is reportedly keen to commit to the club by penning an extension.

He still has three years left on the contract he signed at the beginning of Leeds' successful promotion campaign in 2019/20 (via Transfermarkt).

The £36m-rated star was recently named England's Player of the Year for 2021 after starring in his country's run to the final of the European Championship, beating Raheem Sterling and Mason Mount to the fan-voted award (via Reuters).

The latest

Speaking to Football Insider, Kevin Phillips said that Leeds were aware of the dangers of letting contracts run down, having seen other clubs land themselves in weak negotiating positions.

However, he also warned that suitors may to try capitalise on the Whites' struggles if their poor results continue. Marcelo Bielsa's team find themselves 17th in the early Premier League table, having failed to win any of their first five matches.

The former Sunderland striker said: "Leeds have probably learned from other clubs who have let their players run their contracts down do the final 12 months. We have seen it a lot at Arsenal. I’m sure they are one of the clubs who have learned from that.

"Phillips is an unbelievable player. He is still relatively young so get him on a long-term contract.

"That way, even if a big club comes knocking in the summer they can demand top dollar for him. They will be able to ask for more because he will have four, five years left on his contract.

"I expect him to have another great season and if Leeds continue to struggle I’m certain a few clubs will try and test their resolve with a bid."

The verdict

If Leeds can get Kalvin Phillips to sign a contract which runs until he's roughly 30, it would be a massive boost for the club.

Not only would it inflate his price tag, perhaps taking it close to Jack Grealish territory, it would also indicate that the midfielder is more than happy to stay at Elland Road.

He may feel that he can achieve his goals under Marcelo Bielsa, who looks capable of taking Leeds to European football on last season's evidence even if the current campaign has gotten off to a slow start.

In other news, Danny Mills has expressed his concern after Leeds were dealt this injury blow