-Ikenna Okafor
Manchester City are reportedly considering making a bid to Leeds United for Aston Villa transfer target Kalvin Phillips.
This is not the first time that the back-to-back Premier League champions and Villa have been in direct competition over a particular player this year. In late January, despite significant links to Villa Park, forward Julián Álvarez signed for Pep Guardiola and company from River Plate before being loaned back to Buenos Aires for the remainder of the season.
Phillips has also been linked with Man City ‘s cross-town rivals Manchester United as well as Arsenal and West Ham United throughout this season while Leeds strived to survive in the top flight for a second straight season. That status was confirmed on the final day of the season with a win at Brentford, meaning they are now less likely to sell than if they were relegated.
Phillips is reported by The Times to ‘top’ the champions’ midfield list that consists of a number of other candidates they are monitoring to replace departing club captain Fernandinho. A combative energetic midfielder is said to be sought as competition for Rodri to play in front of their defence.
Man City targets Kalvin Phillips