Leeds United have been dealt a huge blow in their bid to keep Kalvin Phillips at Elland Road amid Manchester United's reported interest this summer.

What's the talk?

That's according to a claim made by Florian Plettenberg, with the Sky Sports Deutschland journalist revealing in a recent post on Twitter that United are currently "dealing" with the transfer of the defensive midfielder - with Ralf Rangnick's side having been heavily linked with a £60m move for the England international this summer.

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Concerning Manchester United's interest in the 26-year-old, Plettenberg said: "Been told that the club "is dealing" with Kalvin Phillips."

Supporters will be fuming

Considering how important a part of the Leeds United side Phillips has become in recent years, in addition to the historic rivalry between Manchester United and the Whites, the news that the Red Devils look as if they are in discussions regarding a deal to sign the Leeds academy graduate this summer is sure to have left supporters fuming.

Indeed, while Phillips' 2021/22 campaign has been severely hampered by a hamstring injury, the £45m-rated maestro undoubtedly proved over his 29 Premier League appearances last term that he is one of the leading defensive midfielders in the game, making an average of 1.6 interceptions, 2.6 tackles, 1.7 clearances and winning 5.3 duels - at a success rate of 52% - per game.

The £38k-per-week regista also impressed in a creative capacity, scoring one goal, registering two assists and creating five big chances for his teammates, in addition to completing an average of 1.2 key passes, 4.7 long balls, 41 passes, four chipped through balls, 0.7 dribbles and one cross per fixture.

These returns saw the player who journalist Ali Martin dubbed "unreal" average an extraordinary SofaScore match rating of 7.21, not only ranking him as Leeds' best performer in the league but also as the joint 17th-best player in the division as a whole.

As such, it is clear for all to see that losing the services of Phillips this summer would be something of a disaster for Jesse Marsch and his side, while the thought of the 26-year-old turning out for Manchester United next season is sure to be every Leeds supporter's worst nightmare.

AND in other news: Victor Orta plotting Leeds bid for £20k-p/w "phenomenon", it could be bye-bye Raphinha