Aston Villa opinion: Should the Villans sign Kalvin Phillips?

According to the Telegraph, Aston Villa are eyeing a move for Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips. The Villans have submitted a £14m bid to lure the 23-year-old from Elland Road. 

The Whites let slip away their promotion chances owing to their poor form in the final third of the Championship. Yet, Phillips’ contribution to the side throughout the season will not be taken for granted at any cost.

He has made a total of 46 appearances in all competitions with a four-goal tally. Being a go-to guy for Marcelo Bielsa, Phillips scored the famous equaliser against Middlesbrough in the dying seconds of the injury time.

A defensive midfielder by trade, Phillips can also play as a central midfielder or a centre-back. A youth product of the Elland Road club, Phillips has made more than 100 appearances since breaking into the main-team in 2014.

Villa in need of a defensive midfielder

Glen Whelan, the Lions’ pivot for around two seasons, has been linked with a move away from Villa Park as his contract ends at the end of this month.

The Irish man is also in the twilight of his career and Dean Smith should bring on some quality replacement given that they will compete in Premier League next season.

Phillips exactly fits the bill and Villa won’t find it difficult in persuading him as Leeds will play in the Championship for one more season. 

The former Wortley Juniors youth product has an average of 3 tackles and 2 clearances per game (Whoscored). Moreover, he has also an eye for precise passes, with a successful pass percentage of 82.

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Conclusion

The Lions should brace themselves for fierce competition next season and signings like Phillips would help them maintain a balanced side. The Whites midfielder would be expected to be a starter under Smith owing to the departure of the 35-year-old Whelan.