Here are the latest Leeds United transfer rumours on Thursday, May 19.
West Ham ‘definitely keen’ on Kalvin Phillips
The most prominent pieces of business on the Leeds agenda this summer are likely to revolve around Raphinha and Kalvin Phillips. A number of reports already state that both players are the subjects of substantial transfer interest.
Raphinha is seemingly set for a move to Barcelona while several Premier League clubs are rumoured to be monitoring Phillips’ situation. Aston Villa, Newcastle and West Ham are among those teams and, according to talkSPORT’s transfer insider Alex Crook, the Hammers are ready to launch a bid for the England midfielder.
“Kalvin Phillips, I think, has a decision to make. He might go either way and West Ham are definitely keen on him,” he told GIVEMESPORT. “It would offer him the chance to play in European football alongside Declan Rice and really cement that relationship ahead of maybe replicating it at the World Cup.”
Merson wades in on Phillips debate
It seems that West Ham and Aston Villa will do battle for Phillips in the summer, especially if Leeds are relegated on Sunday. The 26-year-old wouldn’t be forgiven for having European ambitions but Paul Merson believes he shouldn’t necessarily turn his nose up at a potential move to Villa Park.
“I don't think Phillips is too good for Aston Villa, who have been linked with him recently,” he claimed in his Sky Sports column. “It's a massive football club and he would be playing under one of the greatest English footballers of our generation in Gerrard. So Villa would be an unbelievable move for him.
“He can't go to Manchester United because you play for Leeds, or you're a Leeds fan. That's an absolute no-go, even though Man United need him more than any player.
“Will Liverpool want him? I don't think so. Will Manchester City want him? I don't think so. Maybe Chelsea, I don't know. It's not as much as a problem as moving to Manchester United.”
Casilla could be released by Leeds upon return from Elche
Kiko Casilla is one of several Leeds players who has spent the 2021/22 season out on loan. Although, after starting Elche’s first 12 games of the season, he has only played once since.
He is due to return to Elland Road at the end of the season where he still has one year left on his contract. But according to Diario Información in Spain, he is unlikely to play for Leeds again as the club are preparing to release him, either this summer or when his deal expires in just over a year’s time.
With the emergence of Illan Meslier – and the quality of Kristoffer Klaesson as his backup – there isn’t really a need for Casilla. For that reason, those in charge at the club may decide to cut their losses and allow the 35-year-old to move on a free transfer.
