Manchester City are looking to rival neighbours Manchester United for the signature of Kalvin Phillips, according to reports.
United are in need of a major squad overhaul this summer for new manager Erik ten Hag, with the midfield in particular need of reinforcement. Their options in the middle of the park are meagre as it is and they will lose both Paul Pogb a and Nemanja Matic when their contracts expire at the end of the season.
United have been crying out for a new defensive-midfielder especially for years but have instead repeatedly spent lavishly elsewhere. Thankfully, the need for one has finally been realised and has been made a priority this summer.
ALSO READ: Manchester United duo Anthony Elanga and Scott McTominay break silence on Erik ten Hag arrival
While it's understood the club are also weighing up a move for Frenkie de Jong, who can play the holding role, MEN Sport understands that a deal is being worked on to sign the dedicated defensive-midfielder Phillips from Leeds United. The MEN reported that West Ham and Aston Villa are also interested in the 26-year-old but United were confident of seeing off any competition.
However, that could be about to change as, according to the Daily Star, City are set to enter the race. The Blues will lose midfield stalwart Fernandinho in the summer and it's claimed that Phillips has been identified as the perfect replacement. With Ilkay Gundogan's future also uncertain, Pep Guardiola is likely to be in the market for a new midfielder or two in the summer after already adding Erling Haaland to his squad.
It's added that any deal for Phillips could be worth up to £60million, with the England star expected to leave his hometown club should Leeds be relegated from the Premier League on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Lisandro Martinez is the latest Ajax player to be tipped to follow Ten Hag to Manchester.
The defender has been a vital component of Ten Hag's side over the last few years, and is claimed to be seen as the ideal player to suit the Dutchman's tactics as he makes the move over to Old Trafford.
The Telegraph suggest Martinez has been added to United's list of targets this summer. The report claims Ten Hag wants a quick centre-back, but other priorities include two midfielders.
Sign up to our United newsletter so you never miss an update from Old Trafford this season.
