Leeds boss Jesse Marsch will look to convince Kalvin Phillips to resist interest from Newcastle and Aston Villa this summer – as he reveals the talismanic midfielder and captain Liam Cooper are both in contention for trip to Wolves
- Leeds could face a battle to keep key midfielder Kalvin Phillips in the summer
- Jesse Marsch said Phillips and Liam Cooper could make return against Wolves
- Neither have played since suffering hamstring injuries in December
- Leeds are four points above the relegation zone with nine games to play
Jesse Marsch will try to convince Kalvin Phillips to stay at Leeds this summer as he prepares to welcome back his influential midfielder for the relegation run-in.
Phillips, 26, has been out since injuring his hamstring against Brentford in December but is set to return to the bench for Friday’s crucial visit to Wolves.
As revealed by Sportsmail this week, Newcastle, Aston Villa and West Ham are among the clubs keen on signing the England international, whose Leeds contract runs until 2024.
Kalvin Phillips has attracted interest from other Premier League clubs, including Newcastle
But while Marsch is yet to speak to Phillips about his future, the new Leeds boss admits he is desperate to keep hold of his stars, including Raphinha – who has been linked with Barcelona – and Patrick Bamford.
‘I haven’t spent any time with anyone talking about long-term futures,’ said Marsch. ‘For me it has been about living in the moment and prioritising what is important.
‘Those conversations can be had down the road once we establish a few more things. Those conversations are more for the club but I can always help.
‘Of course, I would love to keep guys like Kalvin and Patrick and Raphinha here as long as possible, so we will see.
‘Kalvin is clearly so well respected and liked. He is Leeds through and through and a big part of the identity of the team.’
Leeds head coach Jesse Marsch could be boosted by the return of key players following injury
Phillips returns from injury at the same time as captain Liam Cooper, who has also been out since picking up a hamstring injury in the same game with Brentford.
It is a major boost for Marsch, who also welcomed back Patrick Bamford from long-term injury in last Sunday’s dramatic win over Norwich, with his side now four points clear of the drop zone.
‘It is a big positive momentum swing for our group,’ he said. ‘Even when I first came, I knew that getting the three main guys back to full health was going to really dictate our success.’
Under old boss Marcelo Bielsa, Phillips played as the defensive midfielder in a 4-1-4-1 formation but Marsch expects him to reprise the slightly more advanced role he operates for England in his new-look system.
‘We had a good conversation about it and he said that actually it’s not that dissimilar from what they do with the national team,’ added Marsch.
Captain Liam Cooper could return for Leeds in their clash with Wolves tomorrow night
‘He plays a lot in there with Declan Rice and they share a lot of responsibilities as a double six.
‘He is an intelligent guy so I think he’ll be able to adjust relatively quickly. The goal with all the players is to help them develop.
‘Kalvin, as good as he is, has room as a leader to grow. I am really excited to get him on the pitch.’