Marcelo Bielsa is adamant that Kalvin Phillips would only leave Leeds if his link to the club and fans would stay in tact, following interest from rivals Manchester United.
Phillips has emerged as a highly coveted midfielder after outstanding displays for Gareth Southgate's England side in the Euros and consistently top level showings for Leeds.
United have been linked with the 25-year-old and while Bielsa knows how important he is, the manager accepts a move away could happen, but played down the chances of that being to United.
On those United links, he said: 'That's a question Kalvin needs to answer. Of course he's a very valuable player. We have to adapt ourselves to how he feels belonging to Leeds.
Bielsa added: 'I'm sure the day he leaves Leeds and the way that he does it, far from provoking disappointment - of course it will generate disappointment - but it's going to 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 know how to do it.'
United had previously been interested in West Ham's Declan Rice but recent indications are that the Old Trafford club are interested in Phillips and could move for him next summer.
For now, he remains an integral leader for Bielsa, who has seen Leeds start the Premier League season without a win.
The Argentine, speaking ahead of his side's home game with Watford on Saturday, gave an injury update on his players.
He revealed: 'Bamford has an ankle injury that is surely going to take him a few more weeks to resolve. It hasn't been a simple injury.
'Ayling has a problem in his knee that's going to require a simple surgical intervention. It will also require some time (for recovery) after this procedure is done.'
Bielsa added Robin Koch remains sidelined with a troublesome pelvic injury and was uncertain when the Germany defender will return to contention.