Leeds United news and key headlines recap: Whites eyeing Celtic defender, Kalvin Phillips hailed by duo ahead of England v Scotland

Leeds United’s Kalvin Phillips is no longer under the radar as a midfielder who can do it all for England, says Gareth Southgate.

“Not so much, I think when we have worked with him earlier in the season we came to the end of the matches saying this boy is going to be a really important player for us,” he said.

“He can do every aspect of the game. He can break the game up. He is diligent and, of course, at Leeds they play one-v-one and man-for-man marking so he tracks his runners.

“He’s got a good passing range and he has a goal in him. The role he plays for his club is normally as the pivot, a little bit deeper. But he can get forward and his set-play delivery is good.”

Leeds United are monitoring Celtic teenager Leo Hjelde as they plot a fresh round of academy and Under 23s recruitment. (YEP)

Leeds United are interested in signing Birmingham City forward Amari Miller this summer. The Whites have already begun talks with the Championship outfit and discussions are thought to be advanced.(Various)

Manchester United have made an opening bid of £50m for Real Madrid and France defender Raphael Varane, but Real want £80m for the 28-year-old. (Manchester Evening News)

Roma will try to sign Aston Villa and Brazil midfielder Douglas Luiz, 23, if they fail to land Arsenal and Switzerland midfielder Granit Xhaka, 28. (Gazzetta dello Sport)

Wolves are evaluating the possibility of signing former Chelsea and Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa, with the 32-year-old Spain forward available on a free transfer. (UOL)

Brazil midfielder Fernandinho, 36, has agreed a new one-year deal at stay at Manchester City. (Mail)

Leicester City have stepped up their interest in RB Salzburg and Zambia striker Patson Daka, 22. (Telegraph)

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is monitoring the situation of Real Sociedad and Sweden striker Alexander Isak. The 21-year-old scored 17 goals in La Liga last season and helped La Real win the Copa del Rey. (Express)

Nigel de Jong knows a thing or two about the demands required of being an international midfielder.

The former Premier League winner with Manchester City reached the World Cup final with the Netherlands and earned over 80 caps for his nation.

“I just love the boy,” De Jong said of the Leeds man’s abilities.

“I have seen him play for Leeds this season under [Marcelo] Bielsa and he has got it all. He has become a complete midfield player.

“We saw in the last game with England he got the international recognition that he deserves.

“He’s the type of player who can break up plays. He’s linking between the lines and it was interesting to see he played a little bit higher up the pitch.

“At Leeds he plays more in front of the defence as a holding [midfielder]. Now he gets a bit more freedom to go a little bit further forward - making those runs in between the lines and behind.”

Thorp Arch friendships will be put on hold when Leeds United captain Liam Cooper and Scotland take on his Whites team-mate Kalvin Phillips and England.

“Kalvin knows what I think of him,” Cooper said of his club teammate ahead of tonight’s meeting.

“He’s a great lad and I love him to pieces. I’ve seen his career go from being a young kid to an established player in the England team.

“It’s pure business now. All that goes out the window once you’re on the pitch. Kalvin is the same – he wears his heart on his sleeve, same as I do.”