Darren Bent has admitted his surprise that Leeds' Kalvin Phillips has not yet been signed by his former club Tottenham.

Phillips has recently been linked with a move to Spurs, who are believed to be preparing a bid for the 23-year-old.

Speaking to Football Insider, Darren Bent suggested Phillips is Leeds' best player, and is surprised there has been no concrete bids from any clubs, including Spurs.

He said: "[Spurs are] really good at spotting young, English talent, ones they believe can go far in the game and Clarke’s another one. He really excelled last season.

"I’d say in that Leeds side there was a couple of other players Spurs might well have looked at before him to sign such as Kalvin Phillips. For me their best player.

"I’m surprised already someone’s not come and got him. For me he was Leeds’ best player, as a young player, I thought he was brilliant, exceptional. I think he’s ready for that Premier League step up."

Phillips is not short of suitors this summer, attracting interest from Bournemouth, Aston Villa, and Wolves but so far no club has come near Leeds' valuation of £30m, if any bid has actually been made.

His importance to Leeds is clear to see judging from his asking price. He is integral to Bielsa's system and is brilliant at winning the ball back for his side and starting attacks, and he would be sorely missed if he left.

The Verdict

It would be quite a shock to see Phillips move to Spurs, but Bent is right when he says he is the type of player who Spurs often target, in that he is a young English talent who Mauricio Pochettino could develop into a top player.

Phillips has all the attributes to succeed in the Premier League, and under Bielsa he has improved his footballing intelligence and awareness and has become a more accomplished midfielder as a result.

If he made the move he would continue to improve if given sufficient game time, but until he proves himself at a higher level it is unlikely that any club will match his £30m asking price.