Manchester United fans are getting excited at the prospect of Kalvin Phillips signing – although some doubt whether he’ll actually make the switch to Old Trafford.
As reported by the Manchester Evening News, United are working on a deal to sign the Leeds midfielder. United have decided to prioritise a defensive midfielder for the summer transfer window, having decided against signing one last year.
Phillips has impressed since Leeds were promoted back to the Premier League in 2020, and he looks to have emerged as a frontrunner for United to target. While United are interested in Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham, the former’s exorbitant £150million price tag is a huge hurdle, while Borussia Dortmund want to keep Bellingham for one more year as they are resigned to losing Erling Haaland.
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United’s likely new boss Erik ten Hag would have a veto on any players United have already shortlisted. But the club are understood to be advancing on an intended deal to sign Phillips.
The news has got plenty of United fans excited, with the midfield having been a problem area for their side this season and long before. Having impresses in England’s run to the Euro 2020 final last summer, Phillips could be seen as the answer to their issues.
Other fans believe Phillips’ ties to Elland Road could be a deciding factor in the deal. The 26-year-old is a boyhood Leeds fan, with the two clubs having held a fierce rivalry over the years.
Phillips is contracted to Leeds until 2024 and discussions over a renewal have become protracted. Although Phillips is a boyhood Leeds fan, United have attracted a number of Leeds players in several high-profile transfers over the years.
United are mindful of how restricted they could be in the summer market if they fail to qualify for the Champions League, which would effectively scupper any ambitious move for Rice or Bellingham. Phillips is generating interest from Aston Villa and West Ham and United are confident of seeing off any competitors.
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