Major Kalvin Phillips lift for Jesse Marsch as pundit drops big reveal on star’s Leeds future
Leeds United are growing increasingly hopeful of retaining Kalvin Phillips for at least one more season following new claims made by one observer.
The England midfielder remains one of Leeds’ most-sought after assets despite seeing his season badly affected by injury. Indeed, he remains on the sidelines having sustained a hamstring problem in Leeds’ 2-2 draw with Brentford on December 5. Ex-Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa revealed in his last press conference that Phillips was no longer on track for his early March return.
His replacement, Jesse Marsch, will likely provide an update on his situation when he faces the media for the first time on Thursday.
As it stands, Marsch will hope to hit the ground running at Leeds. Indeed, in his first interview as Whites manager, Marsch has outlined his vision for the West Yorkshire club.
The American’s short-term goal will be to ensure Leeds remain in the Premier League.
However, in the mid to long term, the retention of star men Raphinha and Phillips will likely become a priority.
Indeed, Phillips is very much a man in demand with a plethora of clubs all keen.
The likes of Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal are all being touted as potential suitors. However, one journalist suggested a surprise other destination for the Leeds talisman earlier this week.
However, pundit Gabriel Agbonlahor claims Phillips is likely to stay at Leeds next season.
Kalvin Phillips may have to wait for big move
He reckons his suitors will be alarmed by his injury record and may need to prove himself again to land a big move.
He told Football Insider: “Kalvin Phillips is in a different situation to someone like Raphinha.
“He’s been injured a lot this season. That will be a big worry for other clubs, seeing how injured he’s been this season.
“I’m sure he will stay next season, and have to do another season with fewer injuries before he gets his move.”
Phillips’ agent, Kevin Sharp, also insists his client wants to commit to a new deal at Leeds.
That contract is currently due to expire in summer 2024.
But as Sharp said in The Sun, Phillips wants to stay: “Kalvin was pleased that Leeds turned those offers down.
“He has never asked to leave Leeds in all his time with the club and has no intention of doing that now or in the summer.
“But I understand the offer that was turned down would have been a record for both buying and selling clubs.
“So I would hope that Leeds would honour their promise of a new contract for him which would then end any unsettling speculation about his future this summer.”
Jesse Marsch confirms Leeds backroom team
New Leeds boss Marsch, meanwhile, has confirmed his backroom team at Elland Road.
It had already been revealed that former Swansea City coach Cameron Toshack would be joining up with Marsch.
Now, the club has announced that Franz Schiemer joins the Whites having previously worked with Marsch as his assistant head coach at Red Bull Salzburg.
The trio will be assisted by Mark Jackson, who has earned a temporary promotion from his role with Leeds Under-23s.
Jackson holds big respect at Leeds, having guided through a number of their young stars over recent seasons.
The Under-23s role will be taken on an interim basis by former Middlesbrough and Cardiff City player Andrew Taylot.
Taylor joined Leeds in 2021 after several years in the coaching set up at Sunderland.
READ MORE: Marcelo Bielsa tipped to revisit job he previously admitted he’d ‘like’ while Leeds manager
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