The future of midfielder Kalvin Phillips has been a hot topic of debate all summer at Leeds United.

The 23-year-old has established himself as one of Leeds United's most important players in Marcelo Bielsa's side, with his combative, incredibly consistent displays gaining plenty of plaudits.

Phillips' rise to the top at Leeds United has naturally garnered attention from teams higher up the English footballing pyramid, with Spurs, Aston Villa and Burnley all being linked with a move for the Leeds academy graduate at some stage this summer.

Though, as it stands Phillips remains a Leeds player and the midfielder put in another superb performance on Sunday, as Leeds kicked off their 2019/20 Sky Bet Championship season with a convincing 3-1 victory over Bristol City at Ashton Gate.

However, with a few days of the transfer window remaining there is still the possibility of losing Phillips.

Football League World Chief Editor Sam Rourke exclusively caught up with ex-Leeds United player Andy Couzens to get his take on the Phillips situation, and the 44-year-old ultimately thinks it is critical that Leeds keep hold of one of their most prized assets.

Speaking to Rourke, Couzens said: "I think it is crucial, everyone keeps saying it that the biggest bit of business Leeds have done is keeping Bielsa as it's a massive coup for the club and everyone involved, I think Kalvin is just as big.

"Kalvin loves the football club, he's been brought up in Leeds, he can be the future of Leeds if we get into the promised land.

"He's been class, last year he was fantastic but lets go back up a couple of years ago, he lost confidence and wasn't the player he is now, that has to come down to the manager who has filled not just Kalvin, but a number of other players full of confidence.

Couzens lauded the impact Phillips has on the rest of the team, especially Hernandez saying: "Kalvin is perfect for Hernandez as it gives him a free roam, having Phillips behind him is massively important as he knows he'll always be covered and can concentrate on the attacking part of his game.

"He's a massive plus for us, hopefully now I can't see anything happening with Kalvin, I personally don't think he wants to go, I think he wants to stay, but sometimes money talks - though I can't see Leeds at his moment in time getting rid of him in anyway shape or form, It would be a big mistake by the football club if that did happen."