Leeds United

Leeds United: Phil Hay comments on Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha interest

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Image for Leeds United: Phil Hay comments on Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha interest

Phil Hay has been speaking about how Leeds United had absolutely no interest in selling either Kalvin Phillips or Raphinha in January.

While Leeds did not manage to sign anyone during the January transfer window, that did not stop other teams from holding an interest in some of their players. Cody Drameh left on loan, while Hamburg wanted to take Crysencio Summerville away on a temporary basis.

Who is more valuable to Leeds?

Phillips!

Phillips!

Raphinha!

Raphinha!

However, it was not just younger players that attracted interest, as West Ham reportedly wanted both Phillips and Raphinha – two of Leeds’ most important players. What made it even more mind-blowing, was that the Hammers enquired very close to the deadline, which would’ve left Leeds mid-season having lost their star men.

Reports had suggested West Ham had bid £50m for each player.

However, speaking on The Phil Hay Show, the Athletic journalist revealed that from the very start of the window, there was no chance the duo were leaving – while there was never any formal approach for Phillips or Raphinha from the Hammers.

He said: “There’s no dispute from Leeds’ end at all that there was contact from West Ham about both players, but what we were told was that there was never a formal bid for them. It was 100% clear to me at the start of the window that neither were going to be sold at any stage.”

TIF Thoughts on interest in both Phillips and Raphinha…

It would have caused absolute mayhem if the Leeds board sanctioned even one of those departures at any time during the window, but especially so close to Deadline Day would have made no sense, much like West Ham actually trying to sign the duo in the first place – particularly as Phillips is still out injured and not expected back until March, so wouldn’t have helped them out until then.

However, it’s no surprise that a team pushing for the top four was interested in Raphinha, especially as he’s having a stellar season for both club and country with eight goals and two assists in the league, while he’s made his national team debut and gone onto rack up three goals and two assists since his debut.

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