![\"Kalvin](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/FEATURED-IMAGE-RIGHT-74-1140x641.jpg\")
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(Credit: Imago)<\/p>\n
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Mon 14 July 2025 20:42, UK <\/p>\n
Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips has reacted to Leeds United\u2019s latest step in their preparations for next season\u2019s Premier League.<\/strong><\/p>\n Amid the West Yorkshire side\u2019s efforts to continue strengthening their squad after winning the Championship title, Phillips has been linked with a Leeds return<\/a>.<\/p>\n The England international has struggled for game time since leaving Elland Road in favour of Man City in 2022. <\/p>\n Phillips has subsequently endured unsuccessful loan spells with both West Ham and Ipswich Town, but remains a popular figure among Leeds<\/a> fans.<\/p>\n After winning promotion back to the Premier League<\/a>, Daniel Farke\u2019s men have been understandably busy in the transfer market.<\/p>\n The Championship title winners have welcomed defensive trio Gabriel Gudmundsson, Sebastiaan Bornauw, and Jaka Bijol as well as striker Lukas Nmecha. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES<\/p>\n But retaining his current assets remains a priority for Farke<\/a> as he looks to navigate the challenges posed by the Premier League. <\/p>\n With that in mind, the Whites have handed former Manchester United winger Dan James a four-year contract extension.<\/p>\n Leeds shared the news via Instagram on Monday, 14 July: \u201cFour more years! LUFC is delighted to announce Dan James<\/a> has signed a new long-term deal with the club, to remain at Elland Road for another four years.\u201d<\/p>\n The West Yorkshire outfit\u2019s post attracted a like from Phillips, whose future is yet to be decided amid his struggles at Man City.<\/p>\n James is ready for Premier League return<\/strong><\/p>\n Football Insider verdict<\/strong><\/p>\n James played a major role as Leeds won the Championship<\/a> title last season, notching 12 goals and nine assists in 36 second-tier appearances.<\/p>\n James was clinical last season<\/p>\n The Wales<\/a> international enjoyed a similarly successful 2023\/24 league campaign, scoring 13 goals and producing seven assists when Farke\u2019s men reached the playoff final.<\/p>\n However, James failed to perform for Leeds in the Premier League, making just eight goal contributions in 32 top-flight appearances in 2021\/22.<\/p>\n The 27-year-old subsequently struggled when he went on loan to Fulham<\/a> in 2022\/23, scoring just two goals in 20 Premier League outings for the West Londoners.<\/p>\n But James will have earned plenty of confidence from his significantly more fruitful exploits in the Championship, and is ready to shine at top-flight level in a way that he has not previously managed.<\/p>\n While Farke must get his transfer business right, the Welshman\u2019s performances could hold the key to how successful the Whites are in the Premier League.<\/p>\n![\"Kalvin](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Kalvin-Phillips-Ipswich-Town-1024x576.png\")
Phillips struggled on loan at Ipswich (Credit Imago)Phillips react as Leeds give Dan James fresh contract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n Dan James stats<\/td>\n Championship 2024\/25<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Appearances<\/td>\n 36<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Goals<\/td>\n 12<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Assists<\/td>\n 9<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n