Manchester City are reportedly set to be rivalled by French champions PSG in the race to sign Leeds United and England midfielder Kalvin Phillips.
According to the print edition of the Mirror, as relayed by MOT Leeds News, Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain have entered the fray to secure the transfer of Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips, who is also a target for Manchester City.
Phillips has been one of Leeds United’s best performers over the past few seasons, although he endured an injury-riddled 2021/22 campaign. The 26-year-old has also established himself as a mainstay in the middle of the park for the English national team and was key to their UEFA Euro 2020 final run last year.
Given his rise in stature, a big move beckons Phillips this summer as he looks set to take the next step in his career. And Premier League champions Manchester City have emerged as the Leeds United academy product’s strongest suitors this summer.
Pep Guardiola’s Cityzens are in the market for reinforcements in the midfield department as Fernandinho is set to depart once his contract expires at the end of June. In addition, Manchester City are likely to part ways with Ilkay Gundogan, with the German international entering the final year of his contract in July.
Hence, Manchester City need cover and competition for Rodri in the holding midfield role, with Phillips emerging as their top target. The Premier League champions have also tabled an offer to sign the England star, but they are now set to face competition from Ligue 1 title-holders Paris Saint-Germain in pursuit of the midfielder.
PSG are looking to revamp their midfield department this summer, with ageing players like Ander Herrera and Idrissa Gueye likely to be moved on, while Leandro Paredes and Georginio Wijnaldum have also been linked with an exit. To that end, Les Parisiens have identified Phillips as a transfer target and could make a formal approach to Leeds United over a possible transfer.
A move to France could see Phillips triple his current wages and pocket around £200,000 per week. However, recent reports indicate that the 26-year-old is keen on joining Manchester City and has informed Leeds about his wishes.
Leeds United are seeking a hefty transfer fee, which should not be an issue for either Manchester City or PSG. With two giants of European football set to battle it out for Phillips’s signing, it will be interesting to see where the Englishman ends up this summer.
