Manchester United ready £60m summer swoop for Leeds United star Kalvin Phillips – report
Manchester United are planning to launch a £60million bid for Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips next summer, according to the Daily Star.
However, the 25-year-old is set to snub any offer from the Red Devils as he fears the backlash a move to Leeds’ bitter rivals would create.
It is claimed that the England international has “huge concerns” about the possible ramifications for his family if he walked the same path as the likes of Alan Smith and Eric Cantona before him.
That, apparently, could open up proceedings for Liverpool to steal in and sign him, with the Reds deemed a “safer” destination, suggesting he could be open to an Elland Road exit.
Jurgen Klopp’s side could make a bid of their own in 2022 as they retain their own interest in Phillips.
North-West battle?
It’s no surprise to hear of the Premier League giants preparing to go head-to-head for Phillips, with the Leeds star emerging as one of the country’s finest talents this year.
Phillips has burst onto the international scene with England after a successful first Premier League campaign with the Whites, who came ninth during the 2020/21 campaign.
He played a starring role in the summer as the Three Lions marched to the final of the European Championship before losing to Italy on penalties.
Phillips was awarded England’s Player of the Year and he has suitably impressed for Leeds this season, despite the club’s struggles that have them sat in 17th after 12 games.
Such form may cause Phillips to assess his future.
He surely has aspirations of European football, namely the Champions League, and with the ‘Yorkshire Pirlo’ turning 26 in December, he will want to test his talents during the supposed peak years of his career.
Leeds have failed to kick on this season and do not appear to have a squad capable of challenging in the next couple of years.
However, a move to Manchester United would go down like a lead balloon among the Elland Road faithful, and it’s no surprise to hear that Phillips has reservations on such a move.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites are set to launch a seven-digit bid for this Brazilian centre-midfielder who tops Neymar in a significant statistic.