Peter Crouch: Kalvin Phillips will make Man Utd genuine title contenders
Leeds United ace Kalvin Phillips will make Manchester United the best team in the Premier League, according to Peter Crouch.
The Red Devils have struggled to prove that they have what it takes to challenge for the title this term despite splashing the cash in the summer.
According to Daily Star, Man Utd want the England international midfielder, 25, next summer, and Crouch believes a player like that is the final piece of the puzzle if the Old Trafford giants want to become serious title challengers.
The BT pundit told Sportsmail: “Solskjaer will want a midfielder who can link the different units and act as a stable base when the ball is turned over, and every great team needs a defensively-minded man capable of progressing the ball.
“Xabi Alonso was a perfect example during my time at Liverpool. Put Declan Rice or Kalvin Phillips in there — spending another huge amount on a new signing — and it arguably becomes the strongest group in the league.
“That is why it is baffling, with just a central midfielder lacking, that we do not really believe — not when pressed — they can go on and win this title. It is hard to put your finger on, because one player should not define a team’s destiny to such a degree.”
Absolutely
Phillips is one of the best central midfielders in the top-flight, and it is why he has established himself as a regular for both club and country.
He has everything it takes to improve Man Utd’s star-studded squad, but seeing him swap Elland Road for Old Trafford is almost impossible.
The rivalry between both teams and the Leeds ace’s Yorkshire upbringing means such a move is a non-starter.
Phillips could be willing to spend the rest of his career with the Whites, and if he ever gets to leave, it is not likely to be for Man Utd.
The Red Devils will have to look elsewhere for the midfield addition they want.
The Yorkshire Pirlo loves it at Leeds, and the club have plans to hand him a new deal that will make him their highest-paid player.
Matching his ambitions will also be in their plans, and playing in Europe and challenging for major silverware will be crucial to keeping him for the long-term.
In other Leeds United news, Radrizzani has hit back at Whites fan who claimed ace is stealing a wage.