By Danny Mills

30th May, 2022 | 2:49pm

Danny Mills fires 'massive' Leeds United warning amid Raphinha exit claim

Leeds United could find themselves in a relegation battle once again next season if key men Raphinha and Kalvin Phillips leave the club, according to Danny Mills.

The former Whites defender, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed Jesse Marsch needs to add “more experience” and “strength in depth” to his side this summer.

Leeds United survived relegation to the Championship on the final day of the Premier League season (22 May), finishing three points ahead of 18th-place Burnley.

Raphinha, who finished as the Whites’ top scorer with 11 strikes this term, has been heavily linked with Barcelona ahead of the summer transfer window.

Meanwhile, Football Insider revealed on 16 May that Newcastle and Aston Villa lead the race to sign Phillips this summer and have already started groundwork on a summer deal – while Man City have also been linked.

Mills suggested the likes of Luke Ayling, Liam Cooper, and Stuart Dallas don’t have the required quality to stave off relegation alone next season.

“I think they need a bit more experience,” he told Football Insider‘s Connor Whitley.

“Players in that 24-25 bracket. There’s a chance that Raphinha and Kalvin Phillips could both leave, and that would leave a massive void.

“The Leeds fans will be hopeful that they will stay now that they’re safe – but football doesn’t work like that.

“You then look at the likes of Ayling, Cooper, Dallas, etc – are they good enough to take Leeds to the next level?

“The answer is probably no. There’s no real back-up in that squad either.

“They need strength in depth – and a reasonable amount of it.

“The last thing you want to do is to be in the same position again next season.”

In other news, pundit tips Leeds United to sign Joe Gelhardt replacement as deal done.