KALVIN PHILLIPS is reportedly edging towards extending his contract with Leeds United in a huge blow to Manchester United's transfer plans.

The Red Devils had identified the 26-year-old as one of three targets to strengthen their midfield this summer.

Despite only managing 12 starts in the Premier League this season due to injury, United wanted Phillips to marshal a new-look midfield partnership with fellow England international and West Ham star Declan Rice.

But the Mancunian giants' transfer plans have been thrown into chaos as Phillips has no intention of leaving Elland Road.

The Whites want to keep hold of their prized asset whose contract expires in 2024 and according to The Times, they are planning to offer him a new and improved deal to fend off any potential interest.

And The Times also claim that Phillips will likely put pen to paper to stay with the Yorkshire club where he made his bones.

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Although no figures have yet been reported, Leeds are willing to largely increase the £38,000-a-week Phillips currently earns.

Along with United, West Ham were also keen on signing Phillips, who has become a staple in the England set-up since making his debut in 2020.

The Hammers had a club-record £55million bid for Phillips knocked back by Leeds just before the transfer deadline in January.

And the Times also recently reported that Aston Villa were willing to outbid the Hammers and offer Leeds £60m for the defensive midfielder.

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But along with United, the Hammers and Villa's cash won't be enough to entice Philips, who is enjoying life with Leeds.

SunSport previously reported that Phillips' agent Kevin Sharp was eager for Leeds to offer his client a new contract after they rejected bids for the star who was happy they had done so.

He said: “Kalvin was pleased that Leeds turned those offers down.

“He has never asked to leave Leeds in all his time with the club and has no intention of doing that now or in the summer.

“But I understand the offer that was turned down would have been a record for both buying and selling clubs.

“So I would hope that Leeds would honour their promise of a new contract for him which would then end any unsettling speculation about his future this summer.”

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