According to Leeds United expert Phil Hay, the club have opened talks with midfielder Kalvin Phillips over a new deal, and they are willing to make him one of the club’s highest earners.

Leeds United have opened talks with Kalvin Phillips over a new contract. Offer made to him would place Phillips amongst the club’s higher earners. Current deal runs to 2021. #lufc

— Phil Hay (@PhilHay_) July 5, 2019

The 23-year-old has two years left on his current deal, and Aston Villa have already shown interest in him.

The English Premier League returnees are willing to pay £15 million for Phillips’ services, but Leeds aren’t ready to let him go for anything below £30 million.

It’s a fee Villa aren’t ready to meet, and the Whites have now moved to tie down their star player to a new improved contract.

It’s a news that has understandably excited Leeds fans, and here is how some of them reacted to the reports on Twitter:

Greatest. News. Ever. pic.twitter.com/B7TQA4GHDV

— Mr Geldard (@MrJGeldard) July 5, 2019

@andrearadri whatever he wants, don’t question it. Give. It. To. Him.

Pls thanks x

— Ashleigh (@ashlaurenn_) July 5, 2019

Just reward to his incredible consistency over the years. What a player.

— SA (@Aravind_SA) July 5, 2019

I hope he signs it please @Kalvinphillips

— Leeds Melissa (@AlioskiLeeds31) July 5, 2019

No longer Scottish Jesus…

SCOTTISH GOD

— Daniel Kilburn (@BurnfaceRovers) July 5, 2019

I'll await the news of him signing this improved, extended contract, hopefully not too long.

— Si (@LeedsInShetland) July 5, 2019

If this happens, No.23 will be tatt'd on me!!

— Eric (@ericpepper) July 5, 2019

But Uncle Phil all these people who know things said Leeds want to sell him

— Dom P (@Dom_Leeds) July 5, 2019

Think this probably shows that Villa came in with an offer, Leeds rejected and Phillips wats Premier League wages. Fear not young Kalvin you shall be a premier league player next season!!

— Matt Vare (@Matt_Vare) July 5, 2019

Phillips is without a doubt one of manager Marcelo Bielsa’s most important players, and the Argentine won’t be keen to lose such a gem as Leeds mount another promotion challenge next season.

The Englishman definitely wants to play top-flight football, and while he most likely craves a move this summer, the Elland Road outfit will hope they can convince him to stay for one more shot at promotion.