Aston Villa are hoping to sign Kalvin Phillips this summer and are ready to launch a £14million bid for the Leeds United midfielder, according to The Telegraph.
Dean Smith is looking to strengthen his squad this summer, following promotion to the Premier League and the Villa boss has identified the 23-year-old as one of his top transfer targets.
Phillips was excellent for Leeds last season and thrived in his new defensive midfield role under Marcelo Beilsa.
Smith sent scouts to watch Phillips on several occasions last season and this latest report states that Villa are preparing to make an official bid within the next few weeks.
So, would Phillips start for Villa next season if he signs?
We discuss...
Toby Wilding
"I think he would.
"Alongside the attacking creativity of Grealish and McGinn, Phillips would provide a more solid, steady feel to the Villa midfield.
"With the club facing a big challenge on their return to the Premier League next season, that could well be crucial in helping Villa to control games and get the results they need to stay in the division."
Kealan Hughes
"Villa's midfield trio of Grealish, McGinn and Hourihane worked very well last season, and the only player he could replace in that system is probably Hourihane.
"Smith will likely continue that trio after the work they did in gaining promotion, but before long Phillips will likely come in to shore up the midfield and make Villa more difficult to beat.
"It is possible that Grealish could play out wide too, in that case the team would have both Hourihane and Phillips who can perform that role of protecting the back four."
George Brooks
"Phillips was outstanding for Leeds in the Championship last season and I believe he's good enough to handle the step up to the Premier League.
"If Smith continues with the same system he used last season, Phillips would be able to slot perfectly into Villa's midfield three alongside Grealish and McGinn.
"He would provide protection for the back four and give the other two midfielders more of a license to get forward and hurt teams.
"I think he'd be an excellent addition to the Villa squad and should be able to go straight into the team."