Manchester City are honing in on Kalvin Phillips and are readying a £60 million bid for the Leeds United midfielder once he’s back from international duty with England.
Pep Guardiola is keen for some reinforcements in midfield following the departure of Fernandinho and he sees Phillips as an ideal like-for-like replacement, and someone with the perfect profile for his team.
Leeds don’t want to let the 26-year-old leave, but City are determined to tempt them to the table with a big offer, according to the Daily Mail.
And recent reports suggest Jesse Marsch is already plotting moves other central midfielders, in the event that the champions get their way.
Phillips, who has also been linked with Manchester United, has spoken of his admiration for Guardiola in the past, commenting back in 2020: “I was more mesmerised by Pep Guardiola giving me a handshake, and saying, ‘Congratulations, well done.’ That was nice.”
Phillips was one of the few shining lights in an otherwise dim season for Leeds which saw them battling – and narrowly escaping – relegation and losing managerial icon Marcelo Bielsa.
Since debuting for the club back in 2015 the academy graduate has made over 200 appearances and has become a firm favourite with fans who have affectionately dubbed him ‘the Yorkshire Pirlo’ in homage to former Italy international Andrea Pirlo.
City tables £60m bid for Phillips