Former midfielder Michael Brown has insisted that Leeds United’s Kalvin Philips, who is reported to be a summer target for the club, is a classic Spurs-type signing.
A report by Football Insider earlier this months claimed that Tottenham will join the race for Phillips in the summer if Leeds fail to win promotion to the Premier League.
It was said however that Spurs might face a difficult challenge to prise Phillips away from Elland Road in the summer if Marcelo Bielsa’s side are successful in their quest for a return to the top flight.
Leeds announced in September when Phillips signed a new deal that they had rebuffed “multiple offers in excess of £20 million” for his services.
Brown lauded the 24-year-old for his versatility and suggested that he’s destined for a future at the top.
Speaking to Football Insider, the former Leeds man said: “I personally think he’s a wonderful player because of his ability, he can play up as a 10, he can play wide in a midfield three, he can play a holding, screening in front of the two or the one, he’s got a range of passing, he can also step in at central defence and he’s comfy in a back three.
“Tell me who’s a young kid who’s played 100 games who can do that? And he’s a very nice, approachable (man), he was there coming through when I was at Leeds United and I wish him well.
“He signed his contract at Leeds United and I wondered why that was, but there are still options in place if either or doesn’t happen (in terms of promotion).
“I think his development under Bielsa’s been fantastic so hopefully he can do it with Leeds United but unfortunately, the key is Phillips will not be with Leeds United next season if they don’t get promoted.”
He also backed the Lilywhites to go in for him in the summer given the club’s policy of going after younger talents with the potential to improve.
Brown added: “You look at some clubs, they’re paying £20million at the top of the pitch for players coming out of the Championship but for a midfield player, it’s a really big call to go over that figure.
“It’s a classic Spurs type signing, a young player who they can develop but the fee might be a little bit rich for Spurs and Daniel (Levy).”
Spurs Web Opinion
I am not sure we need another midfielder anchorman but a lot depends on whether Eric Dier signs a new deal with the club. If he is hesitant, then the club wouldn’t want a repeat of the Eriksen scenario and will hence look to sell him in the summer. Given his versatility, Phillips can be a decent replacement for the 26-year-old.
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