Leeds United must avoid an unforgivable disaster by selling Kalvin Phillips next summer amid Danny Mills' recent transfer claim.

What's the story?

The England international has emerged as one of the country's standout performers, even being named by BT as the men's senior player of the year for the Three Lions.

Mills has suggested that the more Phillips continues to shine for both England and Marcelo Bielsa's side, the more likely it is that some of the biggest clubs in the world will try to lure him away from Elland Road.

He said: "The more and more that he’s involved with England, he’s going to start to hear what other clubs do. His head will be turned and rightly so by players saying ‘We’re playing against Real Madrid’ ‘We’re playing against PSG’ ‘We’re playing against Barcelona’.

"Undoubtedly there will be a part of him thinking ‘I want a part of that, I want to test myself against the best’. If Leeds progress and make it that way, then brilliant. But it’s the second season in the Premier League so you’re going to have to be more realistic than that.

"Another good season this year and there will be some very, very serious offers that come in for Kalvin Phillips."

Would be unforgivable from Leeds

Make no mistake about it, Phillips is the absolute epitome of Leeds, and imagining a Whites side without him in the heart of midfield is simply unthinkable.

Whether it's his on-pitch performances or the way he carries himself off it, Phillips represents everything great about Leeds United, and fans would be rightly devastated if he leaves.

Last season saw the Whites struggle without their midfield lynchpin, winning just two out of nine Premier League games that he missed (losing the other seven), and that saw Darren Bent speak about the importance of the England international to his club.

The former Sunderland striker said: "It is a unique role, and you think who else can they get in that position who can do the job effectively. The answer to that is no one. He’s that good of a player that it’s hard to replace him."

Hailed as "unbelievable" by Danny Murphy following his performances at Euro 2020 over the summer, the £36m-rated Phillips is a vital presence who Leeds simply cannot afford to sell.

Meanwhile, this Leeds ace has seen his market value decrease dramatically...