Manchester City ‘considering bid’ for Leeds United star Kalvin Phillips
Manchester City are considering a bid for Leeds United star Kalvin Phillips this summer as a replacement for outgoing captain Fernandinho, say The Telegraph [May 24].
The Premier League champions are keen to bolster their side after winning four of the last five league titles, and manager Pep Guardiola has identified Phillips as a prime target for their midfield.
But Leeds have been strengthened in negotiations for their star man after they avoided relegation with a final day win over Brentford at the weekend.
Phillips has been linked with a move to Manchester United [MEN] this summer but is disinterested in the move due to the rivalry between the two clubs, wanting to show loyalty to Leeds fans after growing up as one.
But with just 12 months remaining on his contract at Elland Road a big bid could tempt the club to sell and Champions League football could convince the player to leave his boyhood club despite keeping them in the division.
Uh oh
Before City’s interest became a thing there was lots of confidence that Leeds could retain his services by offering him fresh terms and a pay rise to keep him at Elland Road.
But with the best team in the country now making him a priority target, and able to offer him big money too and offer Leeds plenty of cash to get a deal done it now seems less likely.
Phillips would fit into the City team perfectly either in the holding role or slightly ahead of Rodri, where his energy could be put to better use in a team that is constantly on the ball and looking for holes in the opposition defence.
He would be able to play at the very highest level both domestically and in Europe but with him not being one of the first names on the team sheet, his England place could come under threat.
In other Leeds news, Gary Neville praises Leeds United after surviving relegation from Premier League