Former Leeds United goalkeeper Paul Robinson has questioned the Whites’ recruitment strategy amid the recent links to Swansea City midfielder Flynn Downes. Downes is reportedly on a list of potential replacements for Kalvin Phillips if he leaves Elland Road this summer.
Phillips has been linked with a whole host of clubs in recent months, including the likes Aston Villa and West Ham United, with Leeds yet to agree a new contract for the 26-year-old. The England international is said to be keen on remaining at his boyhood club but Victor Orta and co have drawn up a contingency plan for if he does depart.
And according to a report in The Times, Swansea midfielder Downes is someone that Leeds are considering as a potential summer target. Despite his decent season with the Swans in the Championship, though, Robinson believes his former side have to start targeting better players if they want to progress.
READ MORE: Leeds United news as Whites handed Kalvin Phillips boost but Patrick Bamford's woes continue
Speaking to MOT Leeds News, he said: “He’s not at the same level as Kalvin Phillips – he’s nowhere near. Look at how big a miss Phillips has been this season. Leeds have got to start shopping at the same shops as the top half of the Premier League.
“Yes, there are bargains to be had and there are top players in the Championship – look at Jarrod Bowen, for example, at West Ham. But your recruitment has got to be absolutely spot on. If you are going to lose Phillips, you’ve got to be recruiting at the top table, you’ve got to be looking around Europe for better players, you’ve got to improve.
“Players do move on and it’s not the end of the world when they do – look at Liverpool and Philippe Coutinho, Fernando Torres and Luis Suarez. They rebuilt the team so there’s always rebuilding and rejuvenation going on if the money is put into the team wisely and the right signings being made. I can’t see Leeds progressing forward if they’re consistently shopping in the Championship when they need to buy better players.”
