Leeds dream is put to test

THE future of Leeds United’s two prize assets will determine how far the club can go next season – and I predict a losing battle.

The Yorkshire giants might be winning their fight to stay in the Premier League, but keeping top stars Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha looks more unlikely.

That would have a huge bearing on whether Leeds further establish themselves in the top flight, or just face another season of worry.

England star Phillips (below), 26, needs a massive pay rise. He is reported to be on a £25,000-a-week deal which expires in June 2024.

How he’s become such a key player, and a renowned England star, while still on such relatively poor wages, is a massive problem for Leeds.

He can look to strike a six-fold pay rise at least if he makes the move to one of the Premier League elite. Probably more if Manchester

United can agree a transfer fee in the region of £50million.

Even Newcastle United, who are interested, could give him £120K a week and still stay within the boundaries of their wage structure.

So no matter how much Leeds make encouraging noises about their willingness to reward him for his progress with a new deal in the summer, they are hugely vulnerable.

It is sign of the respect that Phillips has for the club that he is “happy” to sign a new Leeds deal at the end of this season.

Same issue with winger Raphinha (above), now courted by Barcelona.

The problem Leeds have to confront is whether they have reached the limit of their ambition, and are looking simply to stand still for a year or two.

Or whether they can genuinely bump up the wages of their two top men and convince them to stay.

I’d bet both will be off this summer, leaving coach Jesse Marsch with the proceeds and a rebuilding job.