According to transfer insider Dean Jones, Manchester City has completed its ‘background checks,’ and there are ‘positive’ signs that it will be successful in luring Leeds United star Kalvin Phillips to the Etihad Stadium.
The reigning Premier League champions will be without Fernandinho next season, as his contract is set to expire in a few days, and Phillips has been identified as a suitable defensive midfield replacement.
What’s the latest news involving Phillips?
Manchester City appears to be in pole position to secure Phillips’ services as it is understood that he has told key figures behind the scenes at Leeds that he wants to seal a switch to the Etihad Stadium.
According to The Athletic, there is an expectation that the 26-year-old will look to force through a move if a big-money bid is tabled by Pep Guardiola’s side.
According to the report, Manchester City believes Leeds will be persuaded to sell the 23-cap England international if they approach the negotiating table with a £50 million offer.
Despite the fact that West Ham United failed with a bid worth the same amount just a few months ago during the January transfer window.
Leeds, on the other hand, is in a strong negotiating position because the academy product’s £38,000-per-week contract does not expire until the summer of 2024.
Jones understands Manchester City has made inroads in their bid to welcome Phillips to the club.
The transfer insider feels the chances of the England ace heading to the sky blue half of Manchester are rising.
Jones told GIVEMESPORT: “All the background checks on this deal are now done and talks are continuing.
“This sounds like a really promising time for Manchester City in their move to sign Kalvin Phillips. The signs are positive so far.”
Phillips may have missed a significant portion of last season due to injury, but he was instrumental in Leeds avoiding relegation by three points.
He went on to make 23 appearances throughout the season and has established himself as an England regular, as evidenced by the fact that he only missed 25 minutes of Euro 2020.
Phillips has demonstrated that he would add steel to Manchester City’s midfield by ranking in the 99th, 97th, and 96th percentiles for successful pressures, tackles, and blocks among midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues last season, so it could be argued that a deal would be a wise move.
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