Liverpool 'plot £35m move for Man City outcast Kalvin Phillips'

Liverpool are plotting a move for Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips, according to the latest reports.

Liverpool sit seventh in the table following a torrid campaign, with a Champions League finish seemingly out of reach.

While they crashed out of Europe following a 6-2 aggregate defeat to Real Madrid, before being dumped from the FA Cup by Brighton.

Part of Jurgen Klopp's problem has been due to his midfield, leaving the Reds boss in dire need of new recruits this summer.

Following their withdrawal from the race to sign Jude Bellingham, Liverpool have turned their attention to other midfield alternatives, with their list of targets growing by the day.

The next name to be added to the list is Phillips, who has struggled to establish himself at the Etihad.

Phillips to Liverpool?

Phillips signed for Manchester City from Leeds for £50 million last summer but his move has not gone quite according to plan.

He was forced to undergo a shoulder operation in September, and subsequently fell out of favour by the time the Qatar World Cup came around.

The 27-year-old was selected for Gareth Southgate's England squad, featuring a couple of times for the Three Lions.

However, he was banished from training on his return for being out of shape, and has only managed two starts since.

Pep Guardiola was left unimpressed by Phillips' decisions to take all nine days' allocated holiday, and he has been unable to nail down a place in the side since.

Even with Rodri absent, the midfielder didn't start Manchester City's 3-0 FA Cup semi-final win over Sheffield United, suggesting he is not part of Guardiola's plans.

With his future up in the air, Liverpool have identified Phillips as a potential addition this summer, claim the Daily Star.

While the Englishman is allegedly open to a move to Anfield, despite signing a contract at the Etihad until 2028.

West Ham have also expressed and interest in him. Although Phillips is thought to favour a move to Liverpool where he could rejuvenate his career.

While a move would appear sensible, Manchester City are unlikely to sell to a direct rival.