By Alan Hutton

20th Oct, 2023 | 5:39am

Pundit verdict on Kalvin Phillips re-joining Leeds United - 'in a heartbeat'

Leeds United fans would take Kalvin Phillips back “in a heartbeat” but he would not be tempted by a return.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, former Tottenham and Aston Villa defender Alan Hutton suggested that if Phillips leaves Man City he will be aiming for another Premier League team, not a drop to the Championship.

The 27-year-old joined City last summer and put pen to paper on a five year deal with the English champions but has massively struggled for game time.

Speaking after England’s 3-1 win over Italy, where the midfielder was fortunate to avoid a red card, he said that he would like to be playing more football with a view of going to the Euros with the Three Lions next summer.

Hutton suggested if Phillips does move on from City this summer, he won’t be heading back to Elland Road.

“The fans would take him back in a heartbeat, he is a £50million player that has gone to Man City and won a treble.

“He has probably not played as much as he would like but he is still an exceptional footballer and he makes teams better. Would he go back to Leeds? I do not think so.

“Of course he has got a lot of history there but they are in the Championship at this moment in time. Yes they are a big club but I think if he was to go anywhere it would be the Premier League. I do not think he is even thinking about going to the Championship.“

In other news, Leeds United set for £20m+ payout 15 months after deal agreed.