Kalvin Phillips is reportedly set to reject a summer move to Manchester United out of loyalty to Leeds United.
According to a report from Mail Plus, Manchester United are set to be dealt with a massive blow in their pursuit of Kalvin Phillips. The Leeds United talisman is one of the club’s top targets this summer as they look to replace the likes of Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic.
However, it appears Phillips has no intention of joining Manchester United due to the rivalry between the two clubs. He has voiced to desire to continue at Elland Road instead, although the midfielder is set to demand a higher salary, having played a vital role in Leeds’s meteoric rise under the leadership of Marcelo Bielsa.
Leeds United are determined to keep hold of Phillips as well. Born in the city itself, the midfielder is a local icon who has established himself as one of the best in the Premier League. Often dubbed as the “Yorkshire Pirlo”, the 26-year-old is already a leader on the pitch and one of the most experienced members of the Leeds first team.
The Englishman has indeed racked up 229 competitive appearances for the club. Phillips’s presence in the team could be critical as Leeds United are set to embark on a new era under the leadership of Jesse Marsch.
However, Leeds United are open to offloading Kalvin Phillips in the summer if they are unable to match the midfielder’s salary demands. The Whites, after all, are going through a difficult economic period and must operate cautiously in the market if they are to prevent plunging into the depth of the English footballing ladder yet again.
In light of such uncertainty, Phillips has been courted by a series of top clubs across the Premier League. While a move to Manchester United might not be a possibility, the English international remains a top target for Manchester City, who have identified him as the ideal long-term replacement for Fernandinho.
Phillips knocked back offers from West Ham United in January, but he could certainly fancy a move to Manchester City, knowing he could advance his game tenfold under the leadership of Pep Guardiola whilst remaining a rival to Manchester United.
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A prolonged stay at Elland Road, though, appears to be the likely scenario for Phillips, who will focus on remaining fit in the coming season and becoming a part of the England setup for the upcoming FIFA World Cup. As for Manchester United, the Red Devils need to set their sights on alternatives to bolster their midfield.
