Aston Villa have been heavily linked with a move for Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips this summer.
Dean Smith is desperate to bolster his options in front of the back four after releasing experienced duo Mile Jedinak and Glenn Whelan following promotion to the Premier League.
Villa were reportedly preparing a £14m move for the 23-year-old, however, the Whites insisted they would only listen to offers in the region of £30m.
And now, according to the Daily Mirror, cited by TEAMTalk, Villa are thought to be considering launching an ambitious £25m offer for the highly-rated midfielder.
Villa have already broken their transfer record this summer by signing powerful striker Wesley Moraes from Clube Brugge in a deal worth £22m, so a possible £25m move for Phillips would see the record smashed again ahead of the new season.
The tough-tackling midfielder excelled under Marcelo Bielsa last season as the Whites fell short of promotion to the Premier League, however, if Villa do submit an offer in the region of £25m, Phillips could well see himself playing in the top-flight next season.
