Leeds United will struggle to keep star midfielder Kalvin Phillips

Leeds United and England midfielder Kalvin Phillips has become a  target for Newcastle, according to the Daily Mail. The transfer rumour states that Eddie Howe’s side are reportedly willing to offer him a £125,000-a-week salary.

This would be a huge pay rise, with some football fans perhaps surprised to hear the Three Lions hero is only on £25,000-per-week despite his recent rise across the country after his performances at Euro 2020.

Newcastle’s recent takeover has allowed them to spend big with the 26-year-old currently top of their transfer wish list in the summer, with their Premier League status all but secured.

Aston Villa are also rumoured to be interested in Phillips with Steven Gerrard looking to bring in a midfielder if they potentially lose out on current loan sensation Phillip Coutinho who will similarly demand a huge fee from Barcelona.

"Leeds United’s hopes of keeping Kalvin Phillips at the club are under threat as Newcastle are prepared to offer the England international a substantial pay rise to move to St James’ Park.Phillips – who has been a standout player for Leeds over the last couple of seasons – has two years left on contract at Elland Road and is said to be earning £25,000-a-week.Sportsmail revealed on Monday that Phillips had told the club that he was willing to extend his stay with the Whites, despite growing interest from Aston Villa, West Ham and Newcastle United others. (Via: dailymail.co.uk)"

Kalvin Phillips Concentrated on Keeping Leeds United in the Premier League

It is expected he will remain focused on keeping Leeds United in the top division with the club nine points clear of the relegation zone. Leeds will also be keen to keep Kalvin Phillips and he will be an important player in the long-term future of the club, as one of the club’s key men, particularly if they want to progress further in the next few years.

It will be important for him to stay injury-free in the run-up to the World Cup in November, and a big-money move to Newcastle would really signal that the new owners from Saudi Arabia mean business.

Both Newcastle and Leeds will be hoping to improve next season and cement themselves as a regular fixture among Europe’s elite. The Whites’ chairman Andrea Radrizzani’s aim of competing in Europe within the next two or three years will heavily depend on their recruitment — and it remains to be seen whether their stars will be willing to go along with the club’s long-term vision.

One possible replacement for Kalvin Phillips could be Chelsea’s Ross Barkley who has been linked with a move to Elland Road this summer, having featured just five times for Thomas Tuchel’s side this season in the Premier League. He previously spent time on loan with the Whites in 2013, making 4 appearances in the Championship.