Manchester City plan to make contact with Leeds United after England have played their final Nations League fixture of this break as the champions target a deal for Kalvin Phillips, according to a report from ESPN.
Phillips continues to be linked with a move away from Elland Road. Had Jesse Marsch’s men been relegated from the Premier League this past season, you would imagine that the 26-year-old would be one of the first players to move on.
However, Leeds staying up has given the Whites fans some hope that Phillips may yet stick around. Reports claimed that they hope that he could yet sign a new contract.
But they may have to stave off some serious interest if they hope to get Phillips to stay. Previous reports have claimed that Manchester City and Liverpool want the midfielder.
And City are not planning to waste much time in their pursuit. ESPN reports that the Cityzens plan to reach out to Leeds once England have completed this current round of Nations League games.
A deal is said to be on the table. But clearly, Leeds are not going to let their key man leave without a fight.
Manchester City to contact Leeds for Phillips
What is perhaps even more worrying for Leeds is that ESPN notes that Manchester City have distanced themselves from moves for both Declan Rice and Frenkie de Jong.
They need a new midfielder this summer. And it does seem that Phillips is the key target.
It would be a huge blow for Leeds to lose him. He is an ‘amazing‘ player. And he was arguably the most important member of the side during Marcelo Bielsa’s tenure.
Replacing him would not be easy. But if there is a deal to be done, it is also in Leeds’ interests to reach an agreement as soon as possible so they can set their sights on filling the massive void he would leave behind.