In the past couple of weeks, one transfer rumour that continues to pick up the pace surrounds Manchester City and their interest in signing Leeds United and England midfielder, Kalvin Phillips.
It has been widely reported that after club legend Fernandinho’s departure from the Etihad Stadium at the end of last season, the highly-rated Yorkshireman is being targeted by Manchester City officials as a potential replacement for the aforementioned seasoned veteran.
While it is next to impossible for any defensive midfielder in world football to displace the in-form Rodri on recent form, Kalvin Phillips is considered to be an option that could become the understudy to the Spanish international - much like the role taken up by Fernandinho over the course of the last two seasons.
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As there has been no indication with regards to how close any move is to competition, new details have emerged this week about precisely where things stand, and when things could develop even further this summer.
According to a report by ESPN’s Rob Dawson, a ‘deal’ to sign Kalvin Phillips is still ‘on the table’, despite the Elland Road club's recent Premier League survival, and the additional complications that could cause in negotiations with interested parties.
Interestingly, it is revealed that the English top-flight champions, Manchester City are now set to ‘contact’ Leeds United after England’s ongoing UEFA Nations League fixtures.
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It has also been stated that the 26-year old is ‘admired’ by Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola as well as the club’s Director of Football, Txiki Begiristain.
Additional reporting from The Sun has also stated that an official approach from Manchester City will come after Kalvin Phillips has completed his duties with the England national team later this month.
Further detail from the same report highlights that Pep Guardiola and Manchester City's sporting director Txiki Begiristain believe Phillips would be “ideal” for them, having already sent club scouts to monitor him on several occasions last season.
With Kalvin Phillips notably being a boyhood Leeds United supporter, there have been suggestions that the England international could yet prolong his association with the Whites by signing a new and improved contract extension - an element that is understood to be addressed by the relevant parties this summer.
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In addition, Leeds' Premier League survival means that any transfer fee could also be another factor that could impede Manchester City in their approach, as it is unlikely that they will be willing to break the bank for a player that is essentially set to be brought in as a back-up number six in their squad.
Only time will reveal the extent of Manchester City’s interest in Kalvin Phillips, and whether club officials instead opt to invest more significantly in other areas of the field - most notably at left-back, where Brighton & Hove Albion's Marc Cucurella is known to be a primary target.
Topics: Kalvin Phillips, Manchester City, Leeds United, Premier League, Transfers
Srinivas Sadhanand