Football League World

Danny Mills shares Leeds United concern with promotion on the line

Former Leeds defender Danny Mills fears the club could lose their "most influential" player - midfielder Kalvin Phillips - if they fail to win Premier League promotion via the play-offs.

Phillips has been a key feature of Leeds' push for promotion from midfield this season, with his performances in his 42 appearances throughout the campaign earning him a place in the EFL's Championship Team of the Season.

Despite the best efforts of Phillips and his teammates, Leeds' late season lull cost them an automatic promotion place, leaving them to battle it with Derby, West Brom and Aston Villa in the play-offs, and Mills believes that failure to succeed could cost them the services of Phillips, for whom he is full of praise.

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Speaking about Phillips' impact on Leeds this season, Mills told Football Insider: “He has been Leeds’ player of the season.

“Sometimes, it’s not about being the best, but it’s about being the most influential. Holding midfielder is a crucial role in a team like Leeds who push the full-backs forward and attack." Discussing the potential consequences to the midfielder's future at Elland Road, Mills claimed: “Without a doubt, his future depends on the outcome. I’m pretty sure there will be Premier League clubs who will be interested in him. If Leeds don’t go up, the fear is, will he stay? Will the manager stay? This is why it’s so big for Leeds.” Phillips' contract at Leeds is not set to expire until 2021, meaning the club would at least have some room for negotiation were any offers to come in for the 23-year-old. The Verdict It is hard to argue with Mills here. Phillips has been one of Leeds standout campaigners this season, and you feel plenty of clubs will sense an opportunity to give him an opportunity in the top flight if Leeds are unable to so. That could be a chance too good for Phillips to turn down, which would leave Leeds in a very difficult position indeed.
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