Kalvin Phillips hold-up explained, as Man City confirm separate signing and prepare to mobilise over ‘next top target’

What’s holding up Man City’s capture of Kalvin Phillips has been explained, and the next top target Pep Guardiola will chase has been confirmed.

Man City agreed a deal to sign Leeds United’s Kalvin Phillips one week ago. The Athletic were first to break the news, with the Yorkshire club due to receive an initial £42m for their midfield talisman. A further £3m could make its way to Elland Road in the future pending add-ons.

Other outlets have differed on the final fee, with Sky Sports claiming it’s £45m, potentially rising to £50m. Regardless, at either price, City are landing something of a bargain.

The agreement was struck on Friday, June 24. Fast forward one week and Phillips remains a Leeds player.

However, that could soon change amid speculation Phillips will finally undergo his medical at the Etihad campus today (Friday).

Now, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has updated the state of play.

The trusted journalist confirmed a medical is the final hurdle that must be overcome. He tweeted Man City ‘have all the paperwork ready’ to complete the transfer.

A medical is confirmed as scheduled and once passed, the official announcement will quickly follow.

A four-year deal if in the offing with Phillips reportedly due to net around £85,000-a-week in Manchester.

One in, out out between the sticks

Romano also provided an update on where Pep Guardiola will turn his attention to next.

City have already landed Erling Haaland to go along with their previously agreed deal to sign Julian Alvarez.

The tally has now become three after City officially confirmed the arrival of 29-year-old goalkeeper, Stefan Ortega.

The German has signed a three-year deal and is likely to replace Zack Steffen as Ederson’s chief back-up. Steffen is on course to join Middlesbrough on loan.

Ortega has arrived on a free after departing former club Arminia Bielefeld, though their ‘next top target’ will cost a hefty sum.

Man City gunning for second in-Prem raid

Romano confirmed Brighton’s Marc Cucurella is the next major star in Guardiola’s sights.

The Spain international, 23, enjoyed a fantastic debut season at the AMEX. Indeed, the left-back scooped both the Brighton Player of the Season and Players’ Player of the Season awards.

Full-back is an area City are uncharacteristically short in at present. Regarding recognised, senior stars, Guardiola can only call upon Kyle Walker, Joao Cancelo and Oleksandr Zinchenko.

Prior reports have claimed Brighton could demand as much as £50m for Cucurella. He signed from Getafe last summer for just £15.4m.