Manchester City
Premier League • England
Man City confident they have Kalvin Phillips fee nailed down, as Leeds star talks of ambitions
Manchester City reportedly reckon Leeds United would sell Kalvin Phillips for as much as £50million this summer, with his future up in the air.
The midfielder formed a key part of Leeds’ promotion back to the Premier League. He was then a standout figure in their immediate impression back in the top flight. And while he struggled with injury last season, the impact of his absence was clear to see.
As a result, he has attracted attention from both sides of Manchester, with United interested at first.
However, City now have the strongest links with a move for Phillips. They are turning their attention to a midfield signing following the acquisition of striker Erling Haaland.
The Telegraph reported this week that Man City could make up to £200million in player sales this summer to balance their books.
According to The Athletic, City reckon an outlay of up to £50million on Phillips will do the trick.
Indeed, Etihad Stadium chiefs feel they can snare the Leeds man for between £45million and £50million.
City also feel confident that Phillips would push to leave his boyhood club once they ramp up their interest in him.
Man City have reportedly tracked Phillips for months, but only showed true transfer intent when Fernandinho revealed he wanted to leave in April. Similarly, that was the same time Leeds became aware of increased City eyes on their star midfielder.
Boss Pep Guardiola supposedly wants more competition for Rodri to help his side go after a third Premier League title in a row.
Kalvin Phillips focused on game time
Phillips nailed down his starting role at Leeds some time ago. He has also blossomed on the international stage with England.
Tuesday’s 4-0 defeat to Hungary did not cover any of the players involved in glory, but especially not Phillips. He earned England’s 2021 Player of the Year award and so will have felt bruised by the result.
Speaking ahead of the game, Phillips insisted that he is focusing on game time after his hamstring injury.
Kalvin Phillips wanted by Pep and Manchester City
Pep Guardiola wants Kalvin Phillips from Leeds United to complete his midfield at Manchester City
“The lads that have been playing in the top teams have played a lot of games,” the 26-year-old said.
“To add a few more games you can see them getting fatigued easier than they normally would.
“But for me, I’ve been injured for large parts of the season so I’m fresh and want to play as many games as possible. We won’t use it as an excuse that we’re tired. We have a job to do.”
Leeds have more transfer concerns
Phillips would prove a big loss for Leeds, but ultimately they would find it hard to turn down a big offer from City or another club.
What’s more, they could be preparing for life without him by signing Brenden Aaronson and Marc Roca in midfield.
But he is not the Whites’ only transfer concern, with the future of Raphinha also up in the air.
The Brazilian winger is, like Phillips, one of the key men at Leeds and a second player they would like to keep.
From a business point of view, though, selling both Phillips and Raphinha in one transfer window would generate significant funds for more new signings.