Manchester City are interested in a summer move for Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips.
That’s according to a report from Spanish outlet Fichajes, who say the Premier League champions want to sign the England international, as a replacement for Fernandinho.
Earlier this week, Fernandinho announced that he is set to leave Manchester City at the end of this season, after nine seasons at The Etihad.
Given his influence during his time with Pep Guardiola’s, it seems obvious that City will need to replace him in their squad, which appears to have seen them to turn their attention to Leeds.
According to this latest update, Phillips is one of the names on the club’s list of options to bring in to take over from Fernandinho from next season.
It is thought that the likes of Real Madrid’s Toni Kroos, and Mikel Merino of Real Sociedad, are also being considered as potential targets by City.
Amid links with a string of clubs ahead of the summer window, recent reports have suggested that Phillips is keen to sign a new deal with Leeds in the summer, with two years left on his current contract.
It doesn’t feel like a huge surprise that Phillips is being touted as a possible replacement for Fernandinho at City.
The Brazilian has been a combative, commanding force in the centre of the park for City throughout his time at the club, emerging as a leader both on and off the pitch.
Those are the sort of attributes that Phillips has also shown during his time at Leeds, meaning this could almost be a like for like replacement at The Etihad.
As a result, given the financial strength that City have to through behind potential signings, this could make for a nervous few months around Elland Road.
Leave a Reply