Leeds need to be careful in signing £10m star, ‘excellent’ talent left in limbo – opinion

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There is no doubt that signing Liverpool defender Nat Phillips would be a smart move by Leeds United, but the club must be careful that a move for the centre-back does not tempt Charlie Cresswell to leave Elland Road this summer.

Phil Hay says Leeds are interested in a move for 26-year-old Phillips, who managed just five outings for Liverpool in 22-23. He is rated at £10m. The Mail say he is keen on exiting the Reds. The YEP say a phone call has taken place.

Leeds are likely to wave goodbye to Diego Llorente, Rasmus Kristensen and Robin Koch over the course of the next few days. Kristensen and Llorente on loan to Roma, while Koch is likely to join either Frankfurt or Bayer Leverkusen.

So, a right-footed option in the middle of the defence is required. Not because of Llorente’s exit, but Koch was a mainstay in the Leeds defence last term – while Kristensen came into that role towards the end of the season.

Landing a player in that mould then is important. Phillips is that. At £10m, he is expensive. But he would be a superb start in what is going to be a busy summer under the 49ers. But where does that leave Cresswell, as he returns?

Leeds must be careful signing Phillips does not tempt Cresswell to leave

Cresswell returns to Leeds after a very successful stint with Millwall on loan. He played 30 times, scoring five goals and it would be a whole lot more if he had not fractured an eye socket in April. He has a year left on his contract.

The YEP say he has a release clause in his deal. So, there is already doubt regarding his future at Leeds. While he is Leeds through and through, Cresswell needs assurances that he will be a key member of the Leeds side next year.

He will feel he has shown he deserves to be first choice for Leeds. An “excellent” talent, the Whites cannot afford to let Cresswell go. Does signing Phillips jeopardise that? Definitely. Phillips will not be joining if he is second choice.

So, Leeds must work out a way to sign Phillips in a way that will not annoy or frustrate Cresswell. Keeping Cresswell at Leeds is far more important than signing Phillips. It might be Leeds’ best move is to forget a move for Phillips.