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...

If Leeds midfielder Kalvin Phillips is to ignore Premier League transfer interest, then he is demanding a lucrative new contract of at least £30,000-a-week, having turned down the Whites' initial offer, according to Football Insider.

The Whites' initial contract offer was deemed way short of what the player requires and this news will strengthen the resolve of Aston Villa, who have made the 23-year-old one of their primary transfer targets this summer.

So is Phillips worth the £30k-a-week he is demanding?

We discuss........

George Dagless

"Yes.

"That is a top-end wage in the Championship but I'd have thought Leeds can afford it for arguably their best player. Surely you have to make the stretch for a player like him after the season he had last year in the middle of the park?

"He's ready for the Premier League now and if Leeds want to keep him they need to match his demands because plenty of sides are going to be able to come in and make an offer for him.

"Lose him and their chances of promotion take a blow and, let's be honest, if they don't go up this season they'll only have to pay this for a year because he'll surely be off next summer."

Gary Hutchinson

“That’s a question which is very hard to answer. Much depends on levels and the impact on the club’s finances.

“For instance; would Kalvin Phillips be worth £30k to Manchester City? Yes, because it’s small change to them.

“However, in the Championship it’s a huge amount and it might impact Leeds’ FFP status. It’s a balancing act between the needs of the club and their longevity in the future. What if he gets that and then other players want a rise? It’s a dangerous game.

“Honestly though, I think he’s worth it. He’s young, he’s a key player for Marcelo Bielsa and that’s a big wage, but not one we don’t see at other clubs.”

George Brooks

"Phillips was magnificent last season and Marcelo Bielsa was able to get the best out of him.

"He is essential to the way Leeds play and he's probably the one player that they cannot afford to lose this summer.

"His importance to the team cannot be underestimated and Leeds should do everything they can to persuade him to sign a new deal at Elland Road, even if it means making him their highest paid player.

"Kiko Casilla and Patrick Bamford are likely to be on similar amounts at Leeds, and I don't see why Phillips shouldn't be on just as much when you consider his contribution to the team last season.

"Leeds should do whatever it takes to convince him to sign a new contract and it's important that they get the deal sorted as quickly as possible."