Leeds United captain Liam Cooper played a role in ensuring Kalvin Phillips stayed at the club this summer, according to The Athletic journalist Phil Hay.

Phillips signed a new five-year deal at Elland Road on Monday, which will likely be a huge relief to fans of the club after the attention he attracted over the summer.

The 23-year-old was fantastic for Leeds last term, making 46 appearances and earning himself a place in the EFL Team of the Season.

That did not go unnoticed and, according to the Mirror, there were a string of Premier League teams pursuing the midfielder in the summer, including Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur.

The Athletic has reported that the Yorkshire club received multiple bids of more than £20 million in the summer, with the last of those worth £27 million.

Leeds held their resolve and Phillips stayed put, a decision which is believed to have been helped by the actions of Cooper.

According to the Athletic, Cooper was important in keeping the 23-year-old close and driving into him the appeal of remaining at the club and securing promotion under Marcelo Bielsa.

The report adds that Phillips was a complete professional throughout the ordeal and kept up “exemplary” conduct throughout pre-season.

The midfielder’s new deal was the first of three during the international break, with Cooper and Stuart Dallas also penning new contracts.

The Verdict

Even though there has been no football, it has been a phenomenal international break for Whites fans with three key players signing new deals and Tyler Roberts returning to action for the under-23s after his injury.

Cooper’s actions are an excellent example of exactly why he is Leeds’ club captain and fans will no doubt love his actions.

Phillips is a very popular figure at Elland Road and Hay’s suggestion that he acted completely professionally will surely only boost their appreciation for him.