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Leeds United remain locked in an impossible battle to keep one of their star players amid strong claims made by one observer about a possible transfer to Manchester United.

The Whites finally collected their first win of the season on Saturday as Watford were beaten 1-0. While the score was perhaps closer than it might have been, Leeds were dominant throughout and good value for the points.

The result was achieved thanks to a goal from returning defender Diego Llorente. In front of him, Kalvin Phillips had a solid game in screening the defence and breaking up many of the Hornets’ attacks.

Phillips is one of the lowest-paid players in the England squad with his wages dwarved by many Three Lions stars. As such, Leeds know they’ll soon need to reward him with an improved contract to keep him at Elland Road.

The 25-year-old signed his current deal in 2019. That five-year deal runs to 2024 – but was signed before he played for his country and even before Leeds’ promotion.

That deal did contain provisions that saw him earn an increase upon promotion. However, we understand Leeds still want talks over an extension.

Leeds’ current top earners are attackers Rodrigo Moreno, Raphinha and Patrick Bamford. The latter recently put pen-to-paper for the Whites on a new deal worth an estimated £70,000-a-week.

And as per our exclusive, Leeds are ready to open talks to extend Phillips’ deal and reward him for his progress.

Now, as per the Daily Telegraph, a new deal for Phillips is close to being agreed.

However, despite Phillips’ curt comments about Manchester United in the past, Alex McLeish claims a firm approach from Old Trafford would be impossible to ignore.

“It will be tough for him to turn it down, 100%,” he told Football Insider.

“Jack Grealish was a fan of Aston Villa all his life, but he had his head turned by a dominant club like Manchester City.

“It’s the same thing – if [Manchester] United come and go all the way with their interest, it is hard for him to stay.”

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Phillips ready to sign up with Leeds United

However, despite McLeish’s warning, Phillips’ agent insists the player’s main focus is on signing a new deal at Elland Road.

“I’ve had positive discussions with Leeds throughout the summer on a new contract for Kalvin and talks are ongoing,” agent Kevin Sharp said.

“I can only see a positive outcome. Kalvin’s desire is to stay at Leeds and there is a real willingness from all sides to make it happen.”

Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa, meanwhile, has also offered a firm response to Phillips over links to the Red Devils.

“That’s a question Kalvin needs to answer. Of course he’s very valuable player,” Bielsa said.

“We have to adapt ourselves to how he feels belonging to Leeds. In the measure his career he develops. I have seen in him the conduct I have very rarely seen in a player.

“In how football is right now, for a player to decline a team above the level where he is at, due to love of a club he is at, is not frequent.

“I have the certainty Kalvin is going to endure questions like this the rest of his life.

“He is loved definitively in the place he was born and belongs.

“When you go for the money, or for the evolution, you resolve a moment in your sporting career. But when you opt for affection of those of people, you resolve in commas your life forever. When you’re loved where you’re from, the possibilities to be happy increase.”

READ MORE: Thriving midfielder cites Bielsa after conceding he may have left Leeds too soon

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