Man City ‘enter race for £50m-rated midfielder Kalvin Phillips’ with Leeds star likely to SNUB rivals Man Utd
MANCHESTER CITY have reportedly entered the transfer race to sign Leeds star Kalvin Phillips - with the ace allegedly set to snub rivals Man United.
West Ham had a club record £50m bid for Leeds United’s Phillips rejected in the January window but are set to try again this summer.
And the 26-year-old could be available at a cut price if the Elland Road club drop to the Championship.
Manchester United and Aston Villa are also both interested in Phillips with Steven Gerrard having had his own bid for the Yorkshire Pirlo knocked back during the winter window.
Now the state that City have emerged as contenders for the England international.
Boss Pep Guardiola is looking for a replacement for veteran Fernandinho with the Brazilian due to depart the Etihad at the end of the season after nine years.
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Ilkay Gundogan could also potentially be on his way this summer, which means that City could possibly be looking to bring in two new midfielders.
And he is believed to view Phillips “as an attainable target” as he plots a transfer swoop.
Guardiola and City sporting director Txiki Begiristain reportedly think he would be “ideal” for them and have already seen scouts to watch him several times this term.
United also want the ace - although Leeds are adamant no official approach has been made.
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But Phillips has allegedly told his nearest and dearest that he could not move to Old Trafford due to the bitter rivalry between United and Leeds.
He is also reluctant to leave his boyhood club.
However, he accepts that he will have to for the sake of his international career if they fail to beat the drop.