Leeds United have now opened contract talks with Kalvin Phillips amid Manchester United eyeing up a summer move for him.

What's the story?

Football Insider recently revealed that "a source with knowledge of Phillips’ situation" had claimed "the player is very keen on signing an extension with the club he has spent his entire career."

And now, The Daily Star have claimed that with United having turned their attentions towards the midfielder and plotting a potential £60m move for him next summer, Marcelo Bielsa's side have taken the first steps to tying him down to a new contract at Elland Road.

It's added: "Phillips, 25, is under contract at Elland Road until 2024 and has not agitated for a move. But Leeds owner Andrea Radrizzani knows a lucrative move to a bigger club could appeal to Phillips in the not too distant future and is keen to tie him down to a new and improved deal."

Fans will be delighted

Such is the importance Phillips has on this Leeds side, former Whites man Andrew Hughes said: "The only way to get someone who can cover and do the same job perfectly is to spend £50m, at least. That’s what a player like him costs. Rather than talking about how other players match up, you just have to accept he’s very special."

As per WhoScored, Phillips ranked in the top three for both tackles and interceptions made per game in the top-flight last term for Leeds, while he also figured highly for key passes per match, sitting in fourth.

But just as important as he is on the pitch to Bielsa's side, Phillips represents everything that is Leeds United, having come through the club's academy system and progressed into an England star too.

It's no surprise then that United would be interested in the 25-year-old, but this latest update on contract talks being started for their talisman is sure to have Leeds fans buzzing.

Meanwhile, Leeds United have another exciting starlet on their hands...