This article is part of Football League World's 'The Verdict' series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Leeds United star-midfielder Kalvin Phillips has committed his long-term future to the club with the 23-year-old expected to sign a five-year-deal to stay at Elland Road in the next few days, as reported in The Telegraph.

The new-deal for Phillips follows hot on the heels of Whites owner Andrea Radrizzani rejecting a bid in excess of £25million from Aston Villa for the star-midfielder in the summer, as reported on Leeds Live.

So were Leeds right to reject Villa's bid for Phillips or should they have taken the money?

We discuss........

Alfie Burns

“£25m is a lot of money and it probably reflects Phillips’ value as a footballer. However, for me, it doesn’t seem to reflect the importance of Phillips to Leeds.

“Phillips is the best player in Bielsa’s side – maybe with the exception of an ageing Pablo Hernandez – and Leeds wouldn’t have been able to replace his quality with £25m, it’s as simple as that.

“Also, given the departures of Pontus Jansson and Kemar Roofe, plus permanent sale of Jack Clarke, could Leeds really afford to lose another first-teamer and keep the fans on board.

“Retaining Phillips was vital and made a real statement.”

Louie Chandler

"100% the right decision.

"Leeds are hell-bent on winning promotion this season and keeping Phillips will prove absolutely essential in completing that goal.

"I do not think that Phillips is irreplaceable, but selling him in the summer would have given the club too much to do, especially considering how big the rewards of promotion are.

"With him now looking likely to sign a new deal, the Whites will also secure their financial security, with a huge release clause looking likely to be included, and justifying the decision to turn down the summer money."

Josh Cole

“If Leeds did indeed reject an offer of £25m for Phillips from Aston Villa earlier this summer, it could turn out to be the correct call.

“Whilst an influx of cash may have allowed Bielsa to bolster his squad, there is no guarantee that they would have been able to find a sufficient replacement for the midfielder.

“Unquestionably one of their most important players, Phillips has started all eight of their fixtures this season.

“With the Whites looking to end their Premier League hiatus next May, it would not be at all surprising if the 23-year-old ends up playing a pivotal role for the club.”