Leeds United 'plot' sensational £30m Kalvin Phillips return in bid to end 'nightmare' spell

Kalvin Phillips could make a sensational return to Elland Road with reports suggesting Leeds United are 'plotting' a move for their former star.

Phillips has endured a torrid time since leaving Leeds for Manchester City in the summer of 2022. The 28-year-old was unable to get the minutes he needed under Pep Guardiola and joined West Ham on loan in January in a bid to save his place in the England squad.

But his move has had the opposite effect, with a string of poor performances and dreadful luck forcing Gareth Southgate to drop the midfielder for the March international fixtures. On Saturday, he came off the bench with West Ham 3-1 up at Newcastle but ended up costing his side as they lost 4-3.

It's been a nightmare spell for Phillips and The Sun reports that Leeds are planning to offer him a reprieve. The Whites are thought to be exploring the possibility of a return to West Yorkshire for their academy graduate, but only if they are promoted back into the Premier League.

Leeds believe they could get Phillips for around £30million, with City keen to get the midfielder off their books despite a significant loss on the £42m they bought him for two years ago. That kind of money can only be spent in the top-flight, however.

The report adds that City were hoping to use Phillips as a makeweight in their pursuit of West Ham's Lucas Paqueta, but the former's form in the capital means interest in a permanent move is low. It could open the door for another potential suitor to snap up the England international.

Leeds are currently well-stocked in central midfield, with Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev among the most consistent performers this season. It is that area Phillips would look to come into, with Glen Kamara and Archie Gray operating further forward.