After winning a fourth Premier League title in five seasons, Manchester City certainly are not messing about in the transfer market.
They have already secured the £51 millions signing of global superstar, Erling Haaland, but look set to make another quality addition to an already star-studded squad.
According to an exclusive report from David Ornstein at the Athletic, City have agreed a £42 million fee with £3 million in add-ons for the signing of Leeds United's Kalvin Phillips.
Advert
The combative midfielder has really rose to prominence since the Yorkshire-based clubs promotion to the Premier League in 2019.
Under the guidance of Marcelo Bielsa - a close friend of Pep Guardiola - the 26-year-old has established himself as one of the finest talents in England.
He is also now a regular in Gareth Southgate's England set-up and forms one part of a solid two-man midfield with West Ham's Declan Rice.
It is clear Guardiola has recognised that talent and thinks he can harness it even more at City.
Advert
The Blues were on the hunt for a direct replacement for club captain Fernandinho, who left the Etihad this summer after nine years of incredible service.
His unique ability to breakup place and cut out opposition attacks at source will perhaps never be matched, but securing competition for Rodri was essential.
In addition, in such a packed World Cup campaign, a lot of football will be played over a short period of time and City's squad depth will be tested to the absolute maximum.
Phillips' ability to operate in the number six and eight positions will also be highly appreciated by Guardiola.
Advert
As the transfer edges closer, more and more details have emerged about negotiations between Leeds and City.
According to Mike Keegan at the Daily Mail, Phillips rejected approaches from Paris Saint-Germain and other Premier League clubs to potentially sign for City.
Insiders involved in the deal insist that a move to the North West is the one Phillips - a boyhood Leeds fan - would have even considered entertaining.
Advert
It is likely one of the Premier League clubs interested was Manchester United.
The Red Devils are in the market for a combative midfielder and links have been persistent between the two parties over the last couple of months.
Learning your trade under Guardiola was always going to be hard to turn down and that has likely factored into Phillips' thinking.
However, fans are notably excited to see what the player can bring to an elite midfield, already stacked with elite quality.
Featured Image Credit: Sportimage / AlamyTopics: Manchester City, Kalvin Phillips, Premier League, Manchester City Transfer News & Rumours, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United