LEEDS SURE OF BIEL DEAL

LEEDS are confident Marcelo Bielsa will sign a new deal at Elland Road and lead them in their return to the Premier League.

Bielsa’s contract ran out at the end of the club’s Championship-winning campaign and talks have started about activating an option for him to stay for another 12 months.

Money is not an issue but Bielsa (left, celebrating with his team) wants to know Leeds’ vision for the future and strategy after ending their 16-year absence from the top flight. Bielsa’s brother Rafael, a former Argentinian foreign minister, handles all his contract talks and has already said his sibling wants to manage Leeds in the Premier League.

He does not see any issues and it is expected Bielsa will agree terms to take charge for next season.

Bielsa was 65 last month and the ex-argentina, Chile, Marseille and Athletic Bilbao coach is excited by the prospect of finally being a boss in the English top flight.

Kalvin Phillips (below) will be a key player for him next season and the midfielder is being urged by Jamaica to snub England and pledge his international future to the Reggae Boyz. Phillips, born in Leeds, qualifies for Jamaica through his father, and national team coach Roy Simpson has offered him an opportunity to play.

Phillips, 24, has not represented England at any level, although Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate says he is on his radar.

Simpson said: “I’ve not made contact with him, but one of our agents in Europe made contact on our behalf.

“At the time he was focusing on Leeds’ possible promotion to the Premier League, but he did acknowledge his Jamaican roots and based on the feedback I have received, talks are ongoing.”

Winger Jack Harrison,

23, is set to return to Leeds from Manchester City for a third season on loan.