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Leeds ace Phillips subject of curious Tottenham claim; admits Liverpool star surprise

Leeds midfielder Kalvin Phillips has become the subject of a strange transfer claim involving Tottenham, and has admitted his surprise at being given the nod ahead of Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson for England.

Phillips has developed into one of the country’s most effective midfielders over recent seasons. His displays impressed so much that he was even called up to an England squad while playing in the Championship with Leeds during 2019/20.

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The 25-year-old took the step up to both international level and Premier League in his stride. As such, he has become a regular under Gareth Southgate.

The Three Lions boss often operates with a double pivot. Phillips has been the mainstay in the position at Euro 2020 thus far with Declan Rice and Jordan Henderson splitting time alongside him.

Liverpool skipper Henderson fought his way back to fitness ahead of the tournament. His first taste of action came from the bench in the final group game. And Phillips has now admitted he was surprised to be retained ahead of the experienced 30-year-old.

“Every day I go out and try and do my best,” said Phillips (via Leeds Live)

“Jordan has been training with us for the last two or three weeks so it’s not new to see him coming back in.

“I expected Jordan to come back into the team because he is such a good and vital player for England.

“Whoever gets the nod, and whoever doesn’t, we’ll be there to support each other and that’s the main thing.”

Phillips would leave Leeds for Tottenham?

Phillips has gone from strength to strength under Marcelo Bielsa at his boyhood club. Given those ties and Leeds’ upward trajectory, it would seemingly take something special to prise him away from Elland Road.

That something special would be an approach from Tottenham according to ex-Whites midfielder, Carlton Palmer.

The North London club finished just three points ahead of Leeds in their first season back in the top flight. Additionally, their star striker Harry Kane has been tipped to leave for Man City. Nevertheless, Palmer thinks a Tottenham offer would be too difficult to turn down.

Speaking to ThisisFutbol (via LeedsLive), Palmer said: “If Tottenham come knocking, no disrespect to Leeds United, I think they are a massive club. I’m a big admirer of Leeds United.

“But if you’ve got an opportunity to go and play at Spurs, you’re going to want to leave Leeds to go and play at Spurs.”

READ MORE: Leeds a ‘serious option’ as Whites make contact for €200m Barcelona star

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