Leeds United are reportedly being courted by a Premier League midfielder ahead of the summer transfer window.
Daniel Farke's side are currently attempting to ensure their absence from the top flight only lasts one year as they bid to secure promotion.
As it stands, the Yorkshire giants are sitting second in the Championship standings, albeit level on points with Ipswich Town who have a game in hand.
Victory for the Tractor Boys against Coventry City on Tuesday evening would put Kieran McKenna's side on the brink of automatic promotion and leave Leeds facing the prospect of the playoffs.
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Premier League player looking for return to Elland Road
Whether Leeds are playing in the Premier League or Championship next season will hugely influence their ability to conduct deals in the transfer market.
Initially, Leeds will be looking to make decisions over several big-earners who are out on loan, with the club needing to be proactive in determining whether they have any future at Elland Road if a top-flight return is secured.
Furthermore, there is growing interest in some of their current stars, including Crysencio Summerville who will almost certainly attract offers from teams in European football's top leagues.
On the flip side, though, the Leeds hierarchy will be tasked with strengthening their squad, and it appears one of their former key men is angling for a return.
According to Football Insider, Kalvin Phillips is eager to spend a second period at his boyhood club from next season onwards.
The England international is currently on loan at West Ham United but, like at Manchester City, he has failed to make any sort of impact.
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A temporary stint at the London Stadium was supposed to kick-start the 28-year-old's career ahead of representing the Three Lions at Euro 2024.
Instead, there is an argument that Phillip's stock has decreased in his three starts and seven substitute outings for the Hammers in all competitions.
Phillips has not played longer than 45 minutes in a game since the start of March, something which appears likely to remain the case during the run-in.
West Ham will not sign Phillips on a permanent basis, nor does he have any interest, and he is allegedly keen to engineer a transfer back to a club where he has previously made 234 appearances.
The report claims that West Ham coaches feel Phillips is 'only interested in playing for Leeds', although that will only come to fruition if City are prepared to facilitate a move.
Leeds are not in a position to pay City's asking price, even if they return to the Premier League, and it is unclear whether Pep Guardiola and the club's board would give the green light to another loan.
Darren Plant
