Leeds complication in Kalvin Phillips future emerges, as Man City act upon leaving key target to Man Utd

A potential complication in Leeds’ quest to pin Kalvin Phillips down to fresh terms has emerged, while a report claims Man City have made his transfer a priority after dismissing a Man Utd target.

Phillips, 26, remains the jewel in the crown of Leeds’ midfield. The England international rarely puts a foot wrong in the engine room and Leeds always struggle in his absences.

His current contract is due to expire in 2024. While there is no immediate need to sign an extension, Leeds are pushing to put one forward.

That’s according to the Sun who state the Whites are ‘battling to persuade him to commit his long-term future’ at Elland Road.

One potential wrinkle in their quest is the claim Phillips is due to change agent this summer. The outlet claim that notion could complicate Leeds’ contract renewal hopes, though it may also hinder Man City’s transfer ambitions too.

Aiding Leeds’ cause is the fact they narrowly avoided relegation. The report adds Leeds were ‘resigned to losing’ to midfielder if they failed to beat the drop.

Though despite retaining their Premier League status, they are now facing a new challenge in the form of Man City.

Pep Guardiola’s side have arguably the finest holding midfielder the Premier League has to offer on their books in Rodri.

Yet a club with the financial backing of City have two elite stars for every position and Fernandinho will soon vacate the back-up role.

Phillips to City a ‘priority’

The Brazilian will return to his homeland after a decade of faultless service at the Etihad. The Sun now report Guardiola has made signing a Fernandinho replacement a ‘priority’ this summer.

Man Utd target Frenkie de Jong is another who has drawn tentative links with City. However, the article claims City’s interest in the Dutchman – as well as West Ham ace Declan Rice – has been ‘ruled out’.

Kalvin Phillips wanted by Pep and Manchester City

Pep Guardiola wants Kalvin Phillips from Leeds United to complete his midfield at Manchester City

City’s interest in Kalvin Phillips echoes previous reporting from the Daily Mail. That outlet stated a solid bid could be lodged in the coming weeks.

Any potential Phillips deal is likely to set the buyer back at least £50m. Indeed, that is the figure West Ham reportedly bid and saw rebuffed in January.

What should Kalvin Phillips do?

Phillips is loved at his boyhood club and is a guaranteed starter when fit. A move to Man City to play in the Champions League and win trophies could appeal, though Rodri’s presence would ensure he spends plenty of time on the bench.

That is something that could also harm his chances of starting for England. Rice appears to be Gareth Southgate’s No 1 in central midfield, while Jude Bellingham has been nothing short of phenomenal at Borussia Dortmund.

The Sun added Leeds have ‘quiet optimism’ they can convince Phillips to extend his stay. At the very least, they hope he won’t push for a move until 2023 and thus give them one more season to establish themselves in the top flight.

Staying for at least 12 more months makes a great deal of sense in our eyes. At 26, it’s unlikely the interest of those at the top end of the league will dissipate in a year’s time.

At that stage, Leeds may have re-established themselves as a club once again on the up anyway.