Aston Villa will play in the Premier League next season, and the Villans need to add quality players to their side for the top-flight challenge.
The midfield is one particular area where they need more additions after the release of two of their experienced midfielders, Glenn Whelan and Mile Jedinak.
Dean Smith’s side are reportedly keen to sign Leeds United’s Kalvin Phillips, as per Telegraph.
The midfielder has impressed for the Whites over the last few seasons, and could be the subject of a £14 million bid by Villa, but Leeds could demand as much as £20 million for the 23-year-old.
The Englishman’s contract with Leeds expires in 2021, having signed his last contract back in 2017.
Kalvin Phillips – Profile
Phillips has come through the Leeds United academy, making his debut for the senior team in 2014, and has gone on to make over 100 appearances for the club since.
The defensive midfielder had a stellar 2018-19 campaign under manager Marcelo Bielsa, becoming one of the best players in his position in the Championship, and was named in the Championship Team of the Year.
Would Phillips be a good addition to Aston Villa?
One of the standout players for Leeds United in the 2018-19 season, Phillips has transformed into a good defensive midfielder, playing at the base of Bielsa’s 4-1-4-1 formation.
A good passer of the ball, Phillips completed 82% of his passes in the Championship, while averaging 58 passes per game.
The talented midfielder can also shield the back four with his clean tackling and clearances. Phillips averaged 2.6 tackles every game in the Championship.
The versatile player — who can play as a central midfielder, defensive midfielder, or even as a centre-back — is quick on the pitch and can read the game well to make the vital interceptions.
Phillips is a player who is going to improve with time and is bound to become a much more rounded player, and is destined to play in the Premier League.
A hard-tackling and good passing midfielder like him would be a vital addition to a team like Villa, who will most likely have a battle on their hands to stay out of the relegation zone.