Manchester United are reportedly making progress on a push for Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips as they prepare for life under a new manager next season.
Erik ten Hag is expected to be confirmed as United's next permanent boss ahead of the 2022-23 campaign, with the Dutchman due to be handed a transfer war chest ahead of his first game in charge. While Ten Hag will have a number of his own targets, England star Phillips is one of the longer-term interests who could move to Old Trafford over the summer.
United had a quiet January after Ralf Rangnick's appointment as interim boss, having spent big on the likes of Jadon Sancho, Cristiano Ronaldo and Raphael Varane over the summer. However, after Rangnick moves into a new consultancy role, the Red Devils are being tipped to dip into the transfer market in a big way.
According to the Manchester Evening News, United are "working on a deal" for Phillips, having previously been keen on the Leeds man's England colleague Declan Rice. According to the report, Phillips is considered the more defensive-minded option, with Rice playing more as a box-to-box midfielder this season, while the price tag for the 26-year-old would likely be lower.
United are said to be "advancing" on a deal, with Rangnick keen on the player due in part to his hunger, despite the interim manager's previously stated preference for younger players. Phillips, who has missed much of this season through injury, has also reportedly interested Liverpool and West Ham United, though earlier reports suggested he was entertaining the idea of signing a new deal at Elland Road.
Ten Hag would have a veto on any new signings, though he is due to be presented with a shortlist of transfer targets. He will also no doubt have some of his own names in mind as he looks to build a squad capable of fighting for honours as quickly as possible.
Would Kalvin Phillips be a good signing for United? Have your say in the comments section
Phillips had no trouble adjusting to the Premier League last season after winning promotion with Leeds under Marcelo Bielsa. He made 29 league appearances as his team secured a top-half finish, and started all seven of England's games as they reached the final of Euro 2020.
This season, the Whites have really felt Phillips' absence since he suffered a hamstring injury in early December. The downturn in form saw Bielsa's reign come to an end, with Jesse Marsch stepping in and finally welcoming the midfielder back in the weekend draw with Southampton.
According to the MEN report, Phillips' willingness to make a "progressive" career move is attractive to Rangnick, despite the player having an age profile outside his usual range. And, as Ten Hag prepares for what looks like an imminent appointment, he may well feel the same way.
