Report: Aston Villa signing Kalvin Phillips from Leeds now unlikely

By Jordan Harris

Kalvin Phillips remains a target for Aston Villa this summer, but The Athletic reports that Steven Gerrard signing the Leeds United star is now looking unlikely.

Phillips continues to be linked with a move away from Elland Road. Leeds fans would have hoped that staying in the Premier League would have boosted their hopes of holding onto the England international.

But the Whites are definitely in a battle. Reports have claimed that both Manchester City and Manchester United want the 26-year-old, while Liverpool are also keen.

In fact, Pep Guardiola’s men view Phillips as a top target. And that may help explain why Villa do not expect the ‘amazing‘ Leeds talisman to be playing for them at the start of next season.

The Athletic reports that the Villans want Phillips. However, they are unlikely to get a deal done in this window.

Aston Villa signing Phillips unlikely

Leeds fans will probably be pleased to hear that Phillips joining Villa is unlikely.

Obviously, Manchester City are the main concern right now. The Whites can hardly begrudge Phillips a move to the Etihad Stadium if they make a serious offer in this window.

But Villa have wanted Phillips for several years now. They, of course, made a bid for the midfielder in 2019. According to the Yorkshire Evening Post, Dean Smith even spoke to Phillips before he decided to stay at Elland Road.

And the Villans have been the early pace-setters in the Premier League. They have agreed deals for Philippe Coutinho, Boubacar Kamara and Diego Carlos. So they would probably back themselves to battle against anyone for a target.

Leeds still need to see off interest from City, and perhaps some others. But the news that a Villa move for Phillips is unlikely is a positive for Jesse Marsch.