Manchester City are pushing with a move for Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips after completing their spectacular £51million deal for Erling Haaland as the Norwegian’s move was formally completed yesterday, with the former Dortmund man expressing his delight at moving to his ‘boyhood club’.
Henceforth, Pep Guardiola’s attention will now be focused on signing a defensive midfielder following skipper Fernandinho’s departure.
City had earlier on weighed up a move for Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong, who is expected to leave the club and is a prime Manchester United target. However, Goal report that City have made a last minute -turn against signing the Dutchman and will target Phillips instead.
The England international no doubt endured an arduous campaign the last time out with injury but yet managed to impress Guardiola with his passing, pressing and stellar ability to conduct play from the base of midfield.
United had also been keen on signing Phillips but the player himself has ruled out a move to Old Trafford due to his connection with Leeds supporters.
Had Leeds been relegated, signing Phillips would have been far easier as the club are still intent on keeping the England ace, who could fetch a fee of around £60m.