Kalvin Phillips knows he will leave Leeds United for another club in the near future, according to former West Ham striker Frank McAvennie.

The Lowdown: Phillips continues to shine

The Whites may have made a poor start to the season, but Phillips has again been a key performer, shining in the middle of the park.

His status as a player has grown so much since his performances at Euro 2020 for England and he possesses an aura and respect in midfield now that only comes when you perform on a big stage like that.

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The Latest: Midfielder tipped to leave

Leeds could find it extremely difficult to keep hold of the £36m-rated (Transfermarkt) Phillips in the long-term, and speaking to Football Insider, McAvennie, 61, claimed he would leave soon, with the offer of a new deal a way of Leeds protecting themselves:

"It’s a very sensible move. He could always run his contract down and no one wants that. He’s a Leeds boy and he knows he’s going to move.

"It’s a great idea. He had a cracking Euros and we all know how good he is. We know there is interest and when the time comes Leeds are protected a bit more now."

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The Verdict: Inevitable?

In an ideal world, Phillips would spend the rest of his career at Leeds, going on to potentially become one of the greatest servants in the club's history.

The brutal truth is that the 25-year-old will be eyeing up playing Champions League football and winning big trophies, though - something the Whites may not be able to offer him.

Whether it's next summer or beyond, Leeds may have to accept that life without Phillips isn't too far away, and penning him to a new deal is certainly the best way to ensure the club wins a big profit if he does depart.

In other news, one Leeds player has signed a new deal. Find out who it is here.