The intriguing Leeds United and Liverpool summer swap transfer deal that could soften major blow

It was there, and then it was not. In this twisting, writhing, wriggling battle for promotion to the Premier League, it has simultaneously felt as if everybody and nobody involved has it within themselves to take that final trepidatious step over the yawning threshold of the top flight. Now, of course, we know that Leicester City will escape the second tier as champions, with Ipswich Town almost certain to follow in their wake. For Leeds United, however, with just one win in their last five outings, the hopes of an automatic and immediate return have dissolved like candy floss in a puddle.

And that means, in all likelihood, that Daniel Farke’s men will now face the bitter lottery of the play-offs; a cockfight of sorts in which every rooster has a machete and a death wish. Who can say with any semblance of confidence whether it will be Leeds, Southampton, Norwich City, West Brom, or even the rank outsiders, Hull City, who sneak their way into that third promotion spot? Rationality and pedigree matter for little once the curtain falls on the regular 46-game campaign.

But ultimately, and naturally, what happens next over these coming weeks will have huge implications for Leeds and their transfer dealings this summer. Will they, for instance, stride into the Premier League with the optimism of a renewed recruitment drive at their back, or will they be forced into pawning off star assets who are evidently destined for more than another trip around the Football League lazy river?

We, of course, refer here to Crysencio Summerville more pressingly than most. The Dutch winger has been in superlative form this season, registering 20 goals and ten assists across 45 appearances in all competitions. It has been a return positive enough to attract that attention of several top flight heavyweights, including Liverpool. Various reports suggest that the Reds are keen on the 22-year-old, and with the common consensus being that Summerville’s compatriot, Arne Slot, is about to succeed Jurgen Klopp at Anfield, there is every chance that interest will only grow.

And if Leeds are consigned to another year in the Championship, they may be powerless to prevent their cornrowed wunderkind from leaving Elland Road between now and the end of the summer. That would, undeniably, be a hammer blow, but it doesn’t all have to be doom and gloom.

You see, according to reports, Leeds are eager to sign Liverpool defender Nat Phillips - currently on loan at Cardiff City. Admittedly, the prospect of a direct swap deal feels a little like dropping a tenner and finding a stick of chewing gum. But a player-plus-cash agreement, in which Phillips is used as a sweetener to a big money transfer, could be something that holds some merit for the Whites.

If Leeds are to miss out on promotion, and Summerville is to depart regardless, then why not ensure that his exit also secures the arrival of a talent who can help Leeds to gather themselves and have another tilt at the top two next season?

There are, of course, a lot of moving parts to consider, and the hope around Elland Road will be that it does not come to this. But maybe, just maybe, an arrangement with Liverpool could be something to think about.