Leeds stand in Everton’s way in ‘fiery transfer battle’ as Daniel Farke finds ‘missing piece’
Leeds United are competing against Everton to sign Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips in the winter transfer window.
The Hill Dickinson Stadium will host Daniel Farke’s team on 26 January, and apart from their on-field tussle, off the pitch, the two clubs could be set to battle it out for the England international’s signature.
Phillips has consistently been linked with a return to Elland Road ever since failing to make a mark at the Etihad Stadium after his £42million move in 2022.
It looks like if the West Yorkshire outfit want the 30-year-old to complete an emotional homecoming, they’ll have to beat the Toffees to his signature.
Daniel Farke wants Kalvin Phillips at Leeds United as Manchester City price tag emerges
Farke believes Phillips could be the “missing piece” to Leeds’ Premier League survival this season, according to SportsBoom.
The news outlet reports on 22 January that Man City are open to letting the midfielder leave, with an offer of around £15m from Elland Road enough to tempt them.
It’s been claimed that the Whites will face Everton in a “fiery battle” to possibly sign the Englishman in the coming weeks.
The hierarchy at the Etihad Stadium favour a permanent exit for Phillips rather than another loan move.
In recent seasons, the midfielder has struggled at West Ham United and Ipswich Town, and it remains to be seen whether he can rediscover his form in LS11.
While Farke would like to sign Phillips in the coming weeks, the West Yorkshire outfit already have several quality options in their engine room, and it remains to be seen whether 49ers Enterprises will be willing to spend a significant sum on him.
Daniel Farke has Elland Road concern despite positive Jaka Bijol update
Jaka Bijol’s hamstring injury is a bitter blow for Farke, but the Slovenia international is expected to be back in team training in a couple of weeks.
Speaking about the centre-back, his pre-match press conference on 22 January, the German manager said, “Rehab progress has started. I spoke about a timeframe of three to five weeks, as it looks it could be the more positive time frame. He’s already doing some stuff in the gym. I hope to have him back in team training in two to three weeks.”
While the former Udinese defender is expected to be back in action soon, there’s still a lack of depth in the backline, with Sebastiaan Bornauw consistently out injured this season.
Joe Rodon also recently spent a few weeks on the sidelines, and while James Justin and Ethan Ampadu can provide cover at centre-back, Farke may be worried about his potential lack of options, having switched to playing five defenders.
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