Kalvin Phillips is reportedly ready to snub the chance to sign for Manchester United in the summer transfer window.
The Red Devils recently stepped up their attempts to acquire the Leeds and England star, but new manager Erik ten Hag looks set to go back to the drawing board in search of a midfielder after Phillips' loyalty to his boyhood club held firm. The Mail claim that the 26-year-old is well aware of the rivalry between the two teams and recognises the uproar such a move would prompt in his home city.
Ten Hag and United's recruitment team are believed to be fans of Phillips, who has demonstrated his ability to play in a high-pressing system under Marcelo Bielsa in both the Championship and Premier League. Now shining under Jesse Marsch to help Leeds secure their top-flight status for another year, the Elland Road academy graduate is set to stick around.
Phillips was the subject of two bids from West Ham during the January transfer window, with David Moyes ' side offering up to £55million to prise him away from Yorkshire. Leeds rejected the approaches but may still be forced offload him due to his contract expiring in 2024.
It is added in the report that Aston Villa and Newcastle are monitoring Phillips' situation, with Manchester City also linked following his impressive Euro 2020 campaign with England last summer. The Red Devils, however, have been most strongly linked, wanting to make him the seventh player to cross the divide, with Alan Smith the last man to infamously do so in 2004.
Phillips, who boasts 19 caps for his country and is in line to play a crucial part for Gareth Southgate at the World Cup later this year, has made it clear that he wants to sign a new deal, revealing to the Mail midway through this season: "I just want to focus on getting back fit. But I speak to the owner regularly. I want a new contract. I'm very happy here."
With Nemanja Matic and Paul Pogba set to leave the club when their contracts expire at the end of the campaign, United want to sign a defensive midfielder, one who can offer an upgrade on Fred or Scott McTominay. Although Donny van de Beek and highly-rated youngster James Garner are set to return from loan spells with Everton and Nottingham Forest respectively, Ten Hag is expected to bolster that department for next term.
Join the debate! Which midfielder should Man Utd sign this summer? Give us your pick here.
Declan Rice is still a target for the Red Devils, but West Ham boss Moyes has whacked a whopping £150million price tag on his head - even if the 23-year-old England ace were to be available. "Let me tell you, he's not for sale. So, that may shut down any questions about Declan, but we do expect questions on him because he's doing so well," Moyes recently told Sky Sports.
"Is he irreplaceable? Well, I had to sell Wayne Rooney early when I was at Everton. I thought Wayne was irreplaceable but what happens in football is you move on. That is what happens in football. Sometimes things like this do happen but we've got no intention of letting that happen at this present time here at West Ham."
