Kalvin Phillips to Leeds United transfer update emerges on Sky Sports
Everton could be set to move ahead of Leeds United with a move to bring in midfielder Kalvin Phillips, according to Sky Sports.
The broadcaster reported via their transfer live-blog on 28 May (11.21am) that the Toffees are considering a potential loan deal for the Manchester City man, and that their chances of landing him have increased in the wake of the Whites’ failure to return to the Premier League.
An Elland Road return was considered the 28-year-old’s “likely destination” during the upcoming transfer window but the play off final loss to Southampton has opened the door for Sean Dyche’s side.
Phillips left Leeds United in a £42million move two years ago [Sky Sports] but struggled for game time under Pep Guardiola before a nightmare loan at West Ham over the second half of the recently-completed campaign.
Everton eye swoop for former Leeds United hero
Daniel Farke’s side falling short of a return to the top flight is guaranteed to have various negative consequences this summer, and difficulties over a move to bring back the club’s former star looks to be one of them.
Phillips’ struggles at the Etihad and then the London Stadium suggested that the best option for him might be a return to the place where he became an England regular.
Whether that would be enough to revive his fortunes given Marcelo Bielsa is long gone is open to debate, but even in light of his reduced status a drop into the Championship seems unlikely if he has options to remain in the Premier League.
Everton’s financial and ownership situations may have a bearing on the situation but if they can afford to cover enough of the City man’s wages then it might take him out of reach at Leeds United.
After a loan move for Jack Harrison and attempts to sign Willy Gnonto there have been plenty of links between the Toffees and the Whites over the past year, and not always in the happiest of circumstances, so this looks like being another.
Farke knows he has a big job on his hands to reshape a squad that is bound to lose some star men ahead of a second season in the Championship, and the latest development is evidence that it will be challenging to compete on certain targets.
In other Leeds United news, a major Elland Road earner has triggered a permanent exit from the club.
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