With Erling Haaland's signature officially announced this week, Manchester City are pressing on with the rest of their summer transfer business. Kalvin Phillips could be next on the shortlist according to reports, with the Leeds United man tipped for a move ahead of next season.
Pep Guardiola will lose Fernandinho from his squad this summer. The Brazilian is a true defensive-minded midfielder who has also proved to be capable when deployed as a centre-back at times, and his presence will have to be replaced.
Phillips had a difficult time for England in the humiliating defeat to Hungary on Tuesday - but then who didn't? And taking into account a full inspection of what Phillips offers, it is reasonable to suggest that he could be an ideal heir. With just two years left on his current contract, City could acquire his services for a reasonable price.
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Now 26 years old, Phillips being English and homegrown is a trait becoming increasingly important given the ramifications of Brexit on the footballing landscape. He has proven his quality in the Premier League and has established himself as a versatile performer in recent years, which captures why he's suited to replacing Fernandinho in particular.
Under Marcelo Bielsa - before his sacking - Phillips was typically deployed as a holding midfielder who was integral to how Leeds constructed moves from the back. Crucially, the Argentine coach also fielded him as a centre-back at times.
Guardiola has previously described his admiration for Bielsa's coaching work, and he could take inspiration from him by signing Phillips to become a defensive-minded midfielder who can also play in defence at the Etihad, much like Fernandinho.
Given Rodri's presence as the team's first-choice no.6, Phillips could be used in a number of different ways if he was to move to Manchester. He could act as cover for Rodri or be deployed alongside him in a midfield pairing - similar to his role for England under Gareth Southgate - with City perhaps shifting to a 4-2-3-1 formation rather than 4-3-3.
Phillips is proactive and industrious without the ball, and he's accustomed to an intense playing style having performed under Bielsa for three years, who is renowned for his unique brand of radical football. Moreover, the Leeds fulcrum has showcased outstanding availability throughout his career. Over the past six seasons, he tends to average around 30.6 starts per season based on his time in the Premier League and Championship.
Phillips isn't the most stellar name, but he's a functional performer and he seems to be well equipped to compensate for the club's loss of Fernandinho. Ultimately, it is not a surprise that he's being linked with a move to the Etihad.
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