Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg has claimed that Manchester United are already ‘dealing’ over a move for Leeds United star Kalvin Phillips.
The Lowdown: Phillips in demand
The 26-year-old hasn’t started a game for the Whites since December, with a number of clubs showing a real interest in his services during that time.
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Aston Villa, Newcastle United and West Ham have all been heavily linked with a move for the central midfielder, while Manchester United joined the race earlier this month.
Phillips is currently in the process of changing agents, which, as a result, has delayed his future being resolved one way or the other.
The Latest: Plettenberg’s post
Plettenberg took to Twitter on Monday evening to provide an update regarding Manchester United’s search for a new midfielder.
The Whites’ rivals appear to be ‘dealing’ with Phillips, with Plettenberg also name-checking West Ham’s Declan Rice and Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham.
“Been told that the club “is dealing” with Kalvin Phillips. Another option is Declan Rice but Manchester United is aware of a price tag of around €100m. Jude Bellingham is a desired player but no chance due to a “No” from BVB.”
The Verdict: Surely not…
Phillips is thought to be ready to commit his long-term future at Elland Road, so although Manchester United appear to be doing all they can to sign the Leeds star, a move looks unlikely.
You’d like to think Phillips, a boyhood Whites supporter, wouldn’t dare follow in the footsteps of Eric Cantona and Alan Smith by swapping Elland Road for Old Trafford.
The defensive midfielder has gone from strength to strength at Leeds in recent years, so hopefully, the Whites will offer him respectable new terms for the first time since 2019 over the coming months and he’ll put pen to paper on a fresh deal under Jesse Marsch.
In other news: ‘Set to leave…’ – Journalist says Leeds midfielder will now quit Elland Road this summer.
