Why Leeds United must reject Matej Vydra-Kalvin Phillips swap deal
According to reliable journalist Alan Nixon, Leeds United have turned down an offer from Burnley for Kalvin Phillips that would have seen the Clarets pay cash for the midfielder while also sending Matej Vydra to Elland Road. But Nixon claims Burnley are set to have another crack to sign Kalvin Phillips.
Matej Vydra, 27, struggled for game time last season after leaving Derby County while his prospects haven’t been promising ahead of the new campaign given the arrival of Jay Rodriguez from West Brom, while Nahki Wells has been preferred ahead of him off the bench in the last two pre-season games.
The Czech Republic international netted two goals in 17 appearances and managed to only featuring in the starting XI on six occasions. And according to the Lancashire Live, Vydra has made it known to the Burnley hierarchy that he wishes to leave the club this summer.
Leeds United have expressed an interest in the former Derby forward’s signature, as they did last summer, but it is believed that they are keen on a loan move while the player is looking for a permanent new home.
Leeds are desperate in need for attacking reinforcements ahead of this week’s transfer deadline. The Sun reports Kemar Roofe is set for a medical at Anderlecht later today ahead of his £7million move to Belgium.
Roofe impressed during three seasons at Leeds after joining from Oxford, scoring 15 goals last campaign. The 26-year-old’s potential departure would leave Patrick Bamford with the only recognised striker at Marcelo Bielsa’s departure.
Hence, the Whites are right in targeting Vydra to bolstering their attacking ranks but any move shouldn’t happen at the expense of Kalvin Phillips. Phillips’ future at the Elland Road has been a talking point for much of the summer.
The 23-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to newly-promoted Aston Villa, with the midfielder believed to be desperate to move.
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Phillips is one of the best young central midfielders in the Championship and Leeds really do not have a suitable replacement for him in the squad at the moment.
Selling the 23-year-old with barely three days left in the summer transfer window would be a huge mistake from the Whites, as Bielsa will not have enough time to find a suitable replacement.
Verdict
Should Burnley come up with another Vydra plus cash offer for Phillips, Leeds must simply reject it. The Whites must dig in their heels and refuse to do any business to plot their own route back to the Premier League.