Leeds United chief executive Angus Kinnear has revealed that negotiations are ongoing over a new contract for midfielder Kalvin Phillips, who remains key to the club's plans.

Phillips has two years left on his current deal at Elland Road but it seems the Whites are looking to extend his stay, amidst reports of a potential move to the Premier League this summer.

The 23-year-old has been linked with a move to a number of top-flight clubs, including Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa.

Phillips is believed to have rejected the opening offer made by Leeds nearly a fortnight ago, as it fell below his wage requirements.

Leeds are currently on a pre-season trip to Australia and, speaking at a fan event in Perth, Kinnear claimed the club were doing all they could to keep the midfielder at Elland Road.

According to Leeds Live, he said: "We want to keep our best players. Kalvin is very much part of our team, he is very much part of our plan.

"He’s been back in training and he’s training like an absolute demon. He came second out of the whole squad for the bleep test on the first day back.

“Adam Forshaw came first, but he’s an absolute machine.

“We are talking with him about a new contract and we are very clear we want him to play football in the Premier League and we want him to play football in the Premier League with Leeds United.”

The Verdict

It may be reassuring for fans to hear the club's hierarchy are as intent on keeping Phillips as many of them are but they're unlikely to find any respite until he signs a new deal or the transfer window closes.

After coming so close last season, anything less than promotion to the Premier League will likely be viewed as a disappointment for Leeds in the upcoming campaign.

Keeping Phillips this summer would be a huge boost to their promotion chances given the important role he played for Marcelo Bielsa's side last season.

The 23-year-old made 46 appearances for Leeds and his high-level performances meant he was named in the EFL Championship Team of the Year.

The Whites' Championship opener against Bristol City is only 18 days away, so having to find a replacement for Phillips before the start of the season would be really tough.