Liverpool have reportedly passed up on the chance to sign Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips.
Phillips has been subject to intense interest this summer, with Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea and Paris Saint Germain all linked with the Whites star midfielder over the past couple of weeks.
The Daily Mirror reports Liverpool have decided to wait until next summer to strengthen their midfield, passing up on deals for the likes of Phillips, Leicester City's Youri Tielemans and former Brighton star Yves Bissouma, who has just recently signed for Tottenham Hotspur.
READ MORE: Leeds United’s three best options to replace Raphinha as Arsenal interest intensifies
All three deals, which would have helped revitalise Liverpool's midfield, were said to be easy ones for the Reds to complete. However, the deals were reportedly turned down due to the fact Liverpool are reluctant to sign new players who will start out at the higher end of the clubs wage bill.
While not a like for like positional replacement, Darwin Nunez and Sadio Mane could be seen as a straight swap in financial terms. But when it comes to midfield enforcement, Jurgen Klopp and co have opted against signing a midfielder this summer, which leaves Manchester City and PSG as the front-runners for Phillips' signature.
Both sides are keen on signing the England international and would be able to offer the midfielder European football and the chance to compete for domestic silverware. Phillips does still retain some interest in signing a new deal at Elland Road but an offer of such magnitude from either side could see the 26-year-old swayed.
Moving to Manchester City would enable Phillips to work under perhaps the best manager of his generation in Pep Guardiola while a move to Paris could see him become the first Englishman to play alongside Lionel Messi at the Parc des Princes. Leeds would love to keep hold of Phillips who played a pivotal role in helping the club back to the promised land of the Premier League.
However, should their asking price of around £50m be met, it might be hard for the Whites to turn down.
READ NEXT
Leeds United braced for transfer of Caprile whose 'character' impressed Orta
Elia Caprile set for Leeds United exit with 'agreement in place'
Premier League 2 format change as Leeds United youngsters prepare for Division 2
Leeds United's Raphinha replacement options amid Arsenal speculation
Leeds United's pitch to under-23 transfer targets has already been made
