According to The Sun’s Alan Nixon, Leeds United are preparing for the possibility of losing Kalvin Phillips to Aston Villa, especially if he pushes for an exit, and have identified Stoke City midfielder Ryan Woods as replacement.
LEEDS. Making checks on Ryan Woods at STOKE in case VILLA batter down door for Kalvin Phillips. Phillips only gets out if he asks away.
— Alan Nixon (@reluctantnicko) July 7, 2019
Villa boss Dean Smith wants to add Phillips, who desires to play Premier League football, to his midfield ranks, but both clubs are a distance apart in terms of agreeing a fee.
The Elland Road outfit are already looking to make the 23-year-old midfielder one of their highest earners by handing him a new improved contract, but should he push for an exit and manager Marcelo Bielsa fails to convince him into staying, he will most likely be allowed to leave.
Stoke’s Woods featured in 27 Championship games for the Potters last season, and Leeds see him as capable enough to fill Phillips’ boots.
The former Brentford man failed to live up to expectations for larger portions of last season but remains a quality player, and should Bielsa get the best out of him, the Whites might soon quickly forget their Academy product.
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