After a harrowing season, which saw Manchester United heavily criticised for their midfield options, it had been murmured around the Theatre of dreams that a move for Kalvin Phillips had been in progress for the Red Devils.
With Kalvin Phillips playing for long established rivals Leeds United, the transfer of the England midfielder did not seem to be one that would conclude relatively quickly.
Although the midfielder plays for the rival club of Manchester United, the undoubted talent of the player was simply too good to look past.
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United have recently confirmed the departure of Nemanja Matic, the only natural defensive midfielder in the squad.
The England international certainly fits the profile of player Manchester United would need to bring in to fill the position of a defensive minded midfielder.
It was on the 7th of April 2022 when credible journalist Samuel Luckhurst first reported the news of Manchester United working on a deal to sign Kalvin Phillips.
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During this time of the report, Leeds United had looked set to be relegated meaning it would become ever so difficult to retain their star talent.
With Kalvin Phillips being a player poised to make a step up in his career, it was thought that the England international could join the likes of Rio Ferdinand and Eric Cantona in a move away from Leeds United to join rivals Manchester United.
In a thrilling final match week, Leeds United managed to stay up in the Premier League.
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Their 2-1 win away at Brentford confirmed their survival, with Burnley taking their place in the relegation zone once the season concluded.
That now makes it a challenge for Premier League clubs to do their shopping at Elland Road.
Unfortunately for Manchester United, the prospect of spending a substantial portion of their conservative transfer budget on the Leeds midfielder now seemed to be an obstacle.
This is made even more difficult with the addition of Manchester City’s interest in the 26-year-old midfielder.
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In a recent article by Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News, it is reported that due to Leeds' survival as well as Manchester City’s interest in the midfielder, it is unlikely Manchester United will secure a deal for Phillips.
With Manchester City finishing as season winners as well as losing Fernandinho, the demand for the Leeds man is there, as well as a more lucrative project for the Leeds midfielder to jump into.
Although Kalvin Phillips may have been seen as an opportunity in the market, the concept of signing the talented midfielder now seems all but over, with Manchester City now seen as the firm favourites for the England international's signature.
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United still need an addition of a defensive midfielder, and reports now suggest that they will be making an offer for Ajax's Lisandro Martinez.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Manchester United, Manchester United Transfer News & Rumours, Transfers, Leeds United, Kalvin Phillips, Premier League, Football