Phil Hay has dropped an update on reported Leeds United transfer target Tyler Adams.

What's the word?

In a recent article for The Athletic, the Leeds United correspondent confirmed that, following reports claiming that Victor Orta is interested in a deal for the RB Leipzig central midfielder in the summer transfer window, the Whites are indeed tracking the 23-year-old ahead of a potential move in the coming months.

However, Hay also went on to state that Leeds' potential swoop for the USA international will likely be dependent on whether or not Kalvin Phillips remains at the club heading into the 2022/23 Premier League campaign - with Manchester City reported to be extremely interested in a £50m deal for the England international.

In his piece, the journalist wrote: "A report from Sky Sports in Germany crediting Leeds with an interest in RB Leipzig's Tyler Adams is credible but the club's next move will be dependent on developments with Phillips. They are yet to receive a formal offer for the England international."

Huge coup

While it would undoubtedly come as a gutting blow to lose a player of Phillips' ability this summer, should Orta manage to get a deal over the line for Adams in order to help replace the 26-year-old academy graduate, it would certainly represent something of a huge coup for the Spanish sporting director.

Indeed, earlier this season, Arsenal were reported to be extremely interested in the 23-year-old, with Metro claiming that Mikel Arteta's side are planning to activate the American's £32.25m release clause in the summer transfer window - with the Spanish manager believed to be extremely impressed by the midfielder's positional versatility.

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And, it is not difficult to understand why both the Gunners and the Whites would be interested in a move for the 19-time capped international, as Adams possesses a number of the attributes required to be a successful modern midfielder in a pressing system.

According to FBref data, the £26m-rated talent ranks in the top 2% of midfielders in Europe's big five leagues for blocks per 90 minutes, as well as the top 18% for passes attempted, the top 25% for passes completed, the top 20% for pressures and the top 25% for progressive carries over the past 12 months.

As such, it is evident that Adams is a player who is confident in his progression of the ball, is an extremely skilled passer and works incredibly hard when out of possession - all three of which would appear to suit Marsch's midfield down to the ground.

So, should Phillips indeed move onto pastures new this summer, while Adams may not quite be at the same level as the England star, he is a signing who would massively soften the blow of waving goodbye to a player as impressive as the Leeds-born legend.

AND in other news: Fabrizio Romano drops transfer update that will leave Leeds supporters gutted