The agent of Kalvin Phillips has praised key figures at Leeds United after the midfielder signed a new five-year deal to stay with the Whites.

Kevin Sharp, who played for the Yorkshire club for three years from 1992, is Phillips' representative and has been locked in talks with Leeds over the summer regarding a potential new deal.

And, there was a breakthrough on that front last night, with the Championship side confirming that they had agreed a new long-term contract with their influential academy graduate who had been attracting top-flight interest.

Speaking to LUTV, Sharp explained that this was a coup for Leeds and praised the hierarchy for managing to keep hold of the anchorman, who is crucial to Marcelo Bielsa's side.

"It’s a big statement, holding onto someone like Kalvin, who for me can handle the next step. It shows real ambition from Andrea, Victor and Angus and the club itself. I’m sure the fans will be delighted with Kalvin staying at the club a further five years.

"From day one, Kalvin wanted to stay at the club and his main ambition is to get to the Premier League with Leeds."

The verdict

Whilst Sharp would clearly be biased given his relationship with Phillips, neutral observers would agree with everything he has had to say here.

It was a real statement of intent from Leeds United as there were several Premier League sides showing an interest in the player and that would have appealed to him from a financial and a football perspective.

So, those at the top of Leeds deserve plenty of credit and the focus is now on ensuring that the local lad can help the team to promotion.

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