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3 Kalvin Phillips replacements that Leeds United could target if nightmare scenario plays out

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Leeds United could see Kalvin Phillips move to Aston Villa in the summer for £60million, and will need to source a good replacement for him.

This season has seen Leeds’ star players generate heaps of speculation around a possible move away in the future.

Survival in the Premier League could see Leeds still lose these players, including Kalvin Phillips, with The Times reporting that Aston Villa are eyeing up a £60million swoop for the defensive midfielder.

He’s someone that every Leeds fan wants to stay, but could easily admit is too good to be playing outside of the very elite level of football.

If he does leave, Jesse Marsch will need a replacement, and here, we take a look at three players we think Leeds could target in the summer if Phillips does leave

Tyler Adams

Tyler Adams is the first name on our list, and while he’s not someone we have seen linked with a move to Leeds, it’s one that would make a lot of sense.

Adams has been in and out of the starting lineup at RB Leipzig this season, even when Marsch was in charge of the Bundesliga outfit before his dismissal.

We’re bound to see Leeds ponder the American market with Marsch in charge, as well as the San Francisco 49ers getting a stronger grip of the club, and Adams could be a smart way to go.

His strong passing ability at the base of midfield is coupled with an ability to match the intensity that Marsch has needed so far, and he’d be well-versed with the system too – given that he played under our manager at New York Red Bulls.

Valued at £18million (Transfermarkt), he’s someone who might command a significant fee from Leipzig for his signature, but he’s only 23 and bound to improve.

Flynn Downes

Up next is a player who we have seen linked with a move to Elland Road lately, with the same report of Villa’s interest in Phillips also revealing that Swansea’s Flynn Downes has been earmarked as a possible replacement.

Having joined the Championship outfit from Ispwich Town, he’s grown to impress manager Russell Martin where he’s made 31 Championship appearances this season.

Formerly an England youth player, Downes has been a key part of Martin’s possession-based style on South Wales, which has gained admiration despite their 16th-place position in the second tier, with Downes averaging a brilliant 92.6% passing accuracy this term.

While it might not be the glamourous move for Leeds in terms of ‘replacing’ Phillips, he presents a more budget option who is also on the younger side at 23 too.

How much is Kalvin Phillips worth?

Less than £60m

Less than £60m

Around £60m

Around £60m

More than £60m

More than £60m

Mohamed Camara

The final name on the list is another we think could be looked at based on connections to Marsch.

Red Bull Salzburg have been producing superb talent for some time now and we’ve already seen Leeds attempt to sign a Marsch favourite in Brenden Aaronson, and Camara ought to be another we look at signing.

Camara signed for Salzburg before Marsch took over, remains there despite Marsch’s exit, and has become a vital player in their side during that time.

His market value currently stands at £20.7million, presenting another player who would cost a significant sum to move from Salzburg to the top flight.

Playing in the centre of a 4-3-1-2 formation, he’s another who could slot seamlessly into Marsch’s setup at Leeds.

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Leeds United season ticket holder since 2013/14, currently situated in the middle of the FA5 noise. From Pablo Hernandez to 5-1 drubbings, I've seen it all at Elland Road.