Kalvin Phillips continues to be linked to Manchester United, and Gabriel Agbonlahor believes the Red Devils have a chance if an offer is accepted.
Kalvin Phillips is primed to move to a bigger Premier League side next summer, with many convinced the midfielder belongs among the elites. He has produced accomplished performances for Leeds United while becoming a regular for England, playing all their games at UEFA Euro 2020 and enhancing his reputation in the process.
There have been whispers of a possible move to Liverpool to become a key part of Jurgen Klopp’s plans. Many pundits have suggested the Reds will sign Phillips over key target Jude Bellingham, as the Leeds midfielder has more experience and pedigree at the highest level.
Paul Merson recently urged Phillips to join Liverpool to keep his allegiance with Leeds fans intact rather than moving to Manchester United, who are also heavily linked with a move. The midfielder is tipped to become a mainstay for the Red Devils for years to come, although nothing worthwhile has happened on the transfer front.
Phillips has a contract with Leeds until the summer of 2024, meaning he will have two years left when the current season concludes. From Leeds’s perspective, it could be an important decision to make between offering him a new deal and cashing in by inviting a huge bid from one of his suitors.
Gabriel Agbonlahor believes Phillips would be a fantastic signing for any club he decides to join. Although, while speaking to Football Insider, the ex-Aston Villa forward has tipped the Leeds midfielder to put rivalries aside and chose what is best for his career, insisting he could join Manchester United.
Agbonlahor said, “Phillips will go wherever is good for him and wherever is good for his career. Those rivalries are silly. I know Leeds and Man United have history, but it’s not like it’s Leeds and Bradford or Aston Villa and Birmingham City.”
“It’s not enough to stop him from playing Champions League football and playing at a big club like Manchester United. I’m 100 per cent sure he would still make that move if an offer is accepted. It’s not a rivalry that I think should stop a player from making the move. Eric Cantona did it, so I don’t think it will stop a player from moving.”
Indeed, there have been other stars, such as Eric Cantona and Rio Ferdinand, who went on to achieve legendary status at Manchester United. However, amid social media frenzy, it is difficult to join rivals without attracting nasty criticism. So, if he joins Manchester United, Phillips could see his reputation among the Leeds faithful being tarnished.
