‘Phillips won’t go to Reds’

talks over a new agreement to make him the club’s best-paid player will begin imminently.

Phillips’ stance will disappoint the Reds as they had earmarked him as a potential summer signing.

But Leeds’ fierce rivals had little chance of signing Phillips (top) after boss Bielsa said he would never agree to a transfer that endangered his strong bond with his hometown club.

“One day he’ll stop playing for Leeds and the way he does it will convert him to an idol forever,” said Bielsa (right).

“I really have this feeling and intuition.

“Due to the family that he has, and how he’s managed his decisions since I’ve known him, I’m sure the day he leaves Leeds and the way he does it, far from provoking disappointment will solidify his link to the club, the people and the city.

“I’m sure he would only leave if it’s guaranteed that the link to the place where he was born remains intact.

“He will be loved always in the place where he was born and belongs. When you opt for the affection of your people, you resolve your life forever, as when you’re loved where you’re from, the possibilities to be happy increase.”