"The only team I'd ever want to go to" - Kalvin Phillips reveals Gareth Southgate conversation ahead of Man City switch

Kalvin Phillips has lifted the lid on his discussions over a move away from Leeds United with England boss Gareth Southgate this summer.

The 26-year-old joined Manchester City from his boyhood club for a reported fee of £42.5 million in July. 

After making 232 senior appearances for the Yorkshire outfit, the England international was keen on moving his way up the ladder in the Premier League and competing for major trophies. 

Kalvin Phillips (Image: Manchester City / mancity.com)

Phillips is yet to make his competitive debut for the Etihad outfit but City manager Pep Guardiola has insisted the midfielder will play a key role for the squad this season. 

While Phillips has experienced success in the lower leagues with Leeds, he was not shy about revealing the elite trophies he'd most like to win in Manchester City colours.

“The Premier League would probably be the trophy that I want to win,” Phillips said in a recent interview with GQ magazine."

Kalvin Phillips is a regular for England (Andrew Orchard sports photography / Alamy)

However, Phillips acknowledges many at the club will be highly keen on finally securing a first Champions League crown after crashing out in gutting fashion against Real Madrid in the semi-final last term.

“But you can't deny that the Champions League is the one that Manchester City do want to win, especially after last year and how they came so close to getting to the final," Phillips added.

“So hopefully, we do do it this season and if we do - then I'll be writing my name down in history for Manchester City.”

Kalvin Phillips in pre-season

The midfielder has been brought in to replace former skipper Fernandinho, who left the club this summer after nine sensational campaigns in sky blue. 

Phillips has been vocal about his desire to play under Pep Guardiola, with the Catalan being one of the main driving factors in convincing the Englishman to make the switch from Elland Road.

When asked if he had discussed a potential move away from Leeds with England manager Gareth Southgate, Phillips revealed that he had only one destination in mind. 

Manchester City's Kalvin Phillips

“We spoke while I was at England before (in June) and he knew that quite a few teams were in for me and asked me what I was thinking," Phillips added.

“I told him the only team that I'd ever want to go to is Manchester City.

"I always wanted to stay in England because my family is here and this is where I'm from.” 

Jack Grealish and Kalvin Phillips on international duty with England. REUTERS / Alamy

Since Leeds' promotion to the Premier League in 2020, Phillips has risen as a crucial outlet for Gareth Southgate and the England National Team.

Phillips said: “Gareth’s a great manager and he has taught me a lot of things with England. The chats that we've had, he’s given me a lot of advice and I appreciate that.”

Manchester City will begin their domestic campaign against West Ham at the London Stadium on Sunday, where Phillips could play his first league minutes in sky blue.