Manchester City have reached an agreement to sign Kalvin Phillips from Leeds United this summer, according to a new report.
After securing the arrivals of Erling Haaland and Julian Alvarez ahead of the new campaign, the Premier League champions are close to completing the signing of Phillips.
The Leeds-born midfielder was identified as the ideal replacement for Fernandinho, who leaves the Etihad Stadium this summer after a nine-year spell in Manchester.
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According to a new report by David Ornstein of The Athletic, Kalvin Phillips is edging closer to joining Manchester City after positive talks between the English champions and Leeds over a fee.
It has been mentioned City will pay £42 million with potential bonuses valuing £3 million for the England international, who has two years remaining on his current deal at Elland Road.
It has been revealed the Yorkshireman is currently away on holiday and is expected to return for pre-season to Leeds on July 4.
However, progress in negotiations could see a deal be finalised next week as Manchester City aim to get as much transfer business done as possible before jetting off to the United States for pre-season in mid-July.
Kalvin Phillips has been keen on making the switch to the Etihad Stadium since Manchester City registered their interest in the 26-year-old.
The prospect of competing for major trophies and working under Pep Guardiola is likely to have tempted Phillips into agreeing the move, which could be made official soon after he returns from holiday.
Manchester City were believed to be interested in each of Frenkie de Jong, Paul Pogba and Declan Rice in their pursuit of a replacement for Fernandinho towards the end of the past season and into the transfer window.
However, officials at the Etihad Stadium have made a breakthrough in talks for Kalvin Phillips by reaching an agreement to sign the England international.
City and Leeds are currently in discussions to finalise the move, which will see Phillips challenge Rodri for the holding midfield role next season.
The Blues retained the Premier League title for the second time under Pep Guardiola on the final day of the previous campaign by pipping Liverpool by a single point in the end.
An enthralling 3-2 win over Aston Villa at the Etihad Stadium saw City make it four league titles in five seasons and finish what may have appeared to many as a disappointing season otherwise on a major high.
Despite leading by two goal on aggregate with less that five minutes of normal time left, a late collapse saw Pep Guardiola's side throw away the chance of making back-to-back Champions League final appearances.
Topics: Manchester City, Manchester City Transfer News & Rumours, Premier League, Leeds United, Kalvin Phillips, Transfers, Pep Guardiola
Vayam Lahoti