Leeds United are currently conducting contract talks with Kalvin Phillips as Manchester City plot a move for the midfielder this summer, according to reports.
It is believed Pep Guardiola and his managerial staff have identified the England international as a suitable replacement for club captain Fernandinho, who lifted his fourth Premier League title on the final day of the campaign.
Frenkie De Jong, Declan Rice and Paul Pogba are amongst other names that have been linked with a switch to the Etihad Stadium, though reports in recent weeks have highlighted Phillips as a priority target for Guardiola ahead of the new season.
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As per a new report by The Telegraph, Leeds are in ongoing talks with the 26-year-old and there remains no guarantee of the Yorkshire club sanctioning a sale for their home-grown talent in the summer.
Since Leeds' promotion to the English top-flight, Phillips has made his name as one of the most solid, dynamic midfielders in the Premier League and was a regular starter alongside West Ham's Declan Rice for Gareth Southgate at the European Championships last summer.
However, with just two years remaining on his current deal at Elland Road, Leeds could look to cash in on one of their most prised assets if Manchester City make an attractive offer for Phillips, who is also being monitored by the likes of Manchester United, Arsenal and West Ham.
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It is worth noting Leeds' Premier League survival puts the Whites in a strong position financially, where they can demand a hefty sum for Kalvin Phillips, who has been a key cog for his boyhood side under both Marcelo Bielsa and Jesse Marsch.
Manchester City are expected to make further additions to their squad ahead of the new season after already announcing deals for Borussia Dortmund's Erling Haaland and River Plate's Julian Alvarez.
Khaldoon Al Mubarak, Manchester City chairman, confirmed recently in his end-of-season interview the club will be making a couple more additions to their ranks, with the signings of a left-back and midfielder believed to be on the horizon.
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Whether City decide to go all in for Kalvin Phillips could depend on the future of Ilkay Gundogan, who is entering the final 12 months of his contract at the Etihad Stadium.
It has been revealed recently the Premier League champions could be tempted into selling the Germany international if a suitable offer came in during the upcoming transfer window.
With Fernandinho leaving and uncertainty looming over Ilkay Gundogan's future, Manchester City are more than likely to enter the transfer market and bolster their midfield options to challenge on all fronts again next season.
Topics: Manchester City, Manchester City Transfer News & Rumours, Kalvin Phillips, Leeds United, Pep Guardiola
Vayam Lahoti