Manchester City are reportedly weighing up a move for Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips, who is rated highly by Pep Guardiola.
If a report from 90 min is to be believed, Manchester City have made Kalvin Phillips their transfer priority ahead of the new season. They are weighing up a fresh move for the Leeds United midfielder, who is rated highly by Pep Guardiola while the club’s own scouts have been left impressed by the player.
Fresh from the capture of Erling Haaland, Manchester City are in the market for a new midfielder. They are preparing for life without Fernandinho, who is set to put an end to his trophy-laden spell at the Etihad in favour of a new adventure elsewhere. And Guardiola has identified Phillips as the ideal replacement for Fernandinho.
A homegrown star in Leeds, Phillips has raised many eyebrows with his consistent performances at Elland Road over the years. During his time at the club, the Englishman has firmly established himself as one of the best midfielders in the Premier League. His rapid rise to prominence even helped him become a first-team regular for the England national team under Gareth Southgate.
Phillips’s masterful passing, coupled with his composure and technique have made him the lynchpin of the Leeds United midfield in recent years. With 234 competitive appearances for the Whites, the 26-year-old does not lack any experience either, making him an excellent target for Manchester City.
Phillips’s composed style of play and his passing range could make him an ideal cog in Pep Guardiola’s tactical setup. He can complement the more attack-minded midfielders such as Bernardo Silva and Kevin de Bruyne while producing his signature diagonal balls to find runners like Haaland and Phil Foden.
Aside from Manchester City, the Leeds United midfielder remains a top target for Newcastle United. The Magpies are ready to flex their financial muscle this summer, with coach Eddie Howe looking to shore up his options in the middle of the park. Phillips, to that end, could be an ideal addition, though Newcastle United have targeted Adrien Rabiot as a cost-effective alternative.
West Ham United are another club interested in Phillips. The Hammers are targeting the Englishman as a direct replacement for Declan Rice. But with Rice likely to remain at the club, it is unlikely West Ham boss David Moyes will want to go big on Kalvin Phillips.
A prolonged stay at Elland Road remains the likely scenario for Phillips, in any case, as the midfielder is open to continuing his spell with his hometown club. Whether or not Leeds are willing to commit to a big contract for the Englishman remains a big question.
