Kalvin Phillips is likely to come to a real crossroads in his career this summer, whether or not Leeds United stay in the Premier League. He is attracting plenty of interest from other English clubs and will continue to be linked with a move away from Elland Road as the opening of the transfer window nears.
Of course, with his boyhood club’s fate still yet to be decided, it won’t be something that Phillips will be considering yet. Although, if the season concludes with relegation for the Whites, it is hard to imagine he will still be at the club next season.
His England ambitions ahead of the upcoming winter World Cup may dictate where he feels he will be best placed. Paul Merson believes that, in the case of relegation, he will have to get in touch with his international manager.
Read more: Paul Merson makes Aston Villa claims as he backs Leeds United to pip Burnley to survival
“If Leeds do end up going down, it'll be a hard summer for Kalvin Phillips,” he said in his weekly Sky Sports column. “There will be a big conversation with Gareth Southgate, if I'm honest.
“He will go to Gareth and ask, "Do I need to be playing in the Premier League to make the World Cup squad?" and I think that will be a big part of it.”
If Leeds are able to stay out of the relegation zone on the final day, the potential departure of Phillips might not be anything the fans have to worry about. But, in the worst case that the Whites return to the second tier, it seems likely that he may leave and Merson has discussed his options.
“I don't think Phillips is too good for Aston Villa, who have been linked with him recently,” the former Arsenal striker claimed. “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.”
