Leeds United hands tied over Kalvin Phillips deal as transfer update drops at Manchester City
Kalvin Phillips has constantly been linked with a Leeds United return since leaving in 2022.
Phillips signed for Manchester City from Leeds over three years ago, but has seriously struggled under Pep Guardiola.
It was a strange move at the time, and there was surprise at Leeds when Phillips joined City, and it is safe to say those reservations were well placed.
Phillips joined Ipswich Town on loan last season, but after a distinctly average spell in a relegated side, the Englishman returned to the Etihad in the summer.
After playing just seven minutes this season, a January exit looks to be on the cards for Phillips, with a Leeds reunion potentially on the table.
Manchester City to offer Kalvin Phillips to Leeds
Phillips looks set to leave Manchester City in January, whether that be a loan or permanent move away from the Sky Blues.
The former England Player of the Year will surely be on the lookout for regular gametime this winter after going so long without a fair share of minutes.
That is simply never going to come at City, with Rodri and Nico Gonzalez ahead of the 30-year-old in the pecking order.
The January window is now just days away, so the Citizens are bound to be sounding out potential destinations for the midfielder.
Alan Nixon has suggested via his Patreon that Man City could include Phillips in a swap deal to sign Harry Gray from Leeds.
The 10-time Premier League champions want the teenager, but a move involving the ex-Leeds man going the other way looks increasingly unlikely.
Leeds United can’t waste money on Phillips
The Elland Road faithful would welcome the Englishman back with open arms, such is his relationship with Leeds following his 234 appearances in LS11.
In his days under Marcelo Bielsa, the Yorkshire lad was one of the best players in his position in both the Championship and Premier League.
Things have certainly gone South since joining Man City, and he will hope that his nightmare spell at the Etihad will soon come to an end.
It looks almost impossible that he will return to Leeds, as his £ 250,000-per-week wage looks set to cause massive problems for any interested parties.
It is unclear whether he would take a pay cut on that to join Leeds, but his salary would have to drop by almost £200k per week for Leeds even to consider the option.
Farke’s hands are tied in that respect, as funds are already tight, so spending big on a second-string player would be unwise.
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