Kalvin Phillips continues to be linked with a move away from Leeds this summer, as a host of Premier League sides consider an approach for the England midfielder.
Phillips has been an integral part of Leeds’ return to the Premier League, establishing himself as an important asset for club and country since emerging from the Elland Road ranks.
The 26-year-old was named as England’s Men’s Player of the Year in 2021 after helping the Three Lions to the European Championship final, performances which have piqued the interest of several sides across the division.
We’ve decided to look at the bookmakers’ favourites to sign Phillips this summer.
Newcastle – 16/1
Newcastle are ready for revolution this summer with the Magpies armed with huge resources, the first transfer window under the new ownership having seen almost £100m splashed on a host of new names.
Premier League status now all but assured for another season, Eddie Howe can turn his attention towards climbing the division and Phillips would be a statement signing from the ambitious North East side.
Huge three points today, another big step forward ???????? pic.twitter.com/mdARnZTVGy
— Kalvin Phillips (@Kalvinphillips) April 9, 2022
Bruno Guimarães arrival from Lyon has added real quality to the club’s midfield ranks and Phillips would prove a fine compliment to the Brazilian, an engine room axis to build a new-look side around.
Phillips may want a guarantee of European football in order to leave his boyhood side, but Newcastle’s new project will no doubt turn the heads of several stars looking for a new challenge.
Manchester City – 14/1
Midfield reinforcements could be on the radar for Manchester City this summer, with club captain Fernandinho having confirmed his intention to leave the Etihad at the end of the season.
The 36-year-old has struggled for regular football this season and has outlined his desire to return to Brazil, leaving City without natural competition and cover for Rodri at the base of the midfield.
Phillips has shone in an anchor role and has the passing ability to thrive in City’s possession-based system, with Pep Guardiola having made a point of acknowledging the midfielder’s qualities following a 1-1 draw between Leeds and City in 2020.
City’s focus this summer appears to be on Erling Haaland, but with the Premier League champions reportedly closing in on a deal for the forward attentions could soon turn to finding a Fernandinho replacement.
Liverpool – 8/1
Liverpool have been linked with a potential move for Phillips, as the Reds consider adding to their midfield ranks.
Jurgen Klopp’s squad is well-stacked in midfield at present, but with doubts surrounding the future of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and a decision yet to be made on veteran James Milner’s future additions could be sought in the summer.
History made and on the way to the World Cup! ???? proud of the lads and everything we’ve achieved this year ???????????????????????????????? @England pic.twitter.com/UMD308lMB7
— Kalvin Phillips (@Kalvinphillips) November 15, 2021
Jordan Henderson and Thiago Alcantara are also into their thirties and Klopp has shown in recent windows his gradual phasing into the future.
Ibrahima Konate (22), Luis Diaz (25) and Diogo Jota (25) have all arrived at a prime age to make an impact and improve further and the 26-year-old Phillips could be another shrewd signing at Anfield.
Aston Villa – 8/1
Aston Villa continue to show ambition in the transfer market and have been linked with a potential £60m move for the England international.
Steven Gerrard wants midfield reinforcements and has also been credited with an interest in Brighton’s Yves Bissouma as he looks to build the Villa side in his own image.
Villa made an approach to sign Phillips following their promotion to the Premier League in 2019, seeing a then club-record £25m offer rejected.
It will likely take more than double that sum to prise Phillips from Elland Road this summer, as Gerrard looks for a midfield screen to compliment the talents of John McGinn and Jacob Ramsey, with both Douglas Luiz and Carney Chukwuemeka expected to depart at the end of the season.
Manchester United – 2/1
Manchester United are the 2/1 favourites to sign Phillips, in what would be a controversial capture of the Leeds midfielder.
United are anticipating a major rebuild this summer with Ralf Rangnick having warned there could be ‘six, seven, maybe ten new players’ arriving at Old Trafford at the end of the campaign.
Midfield has been a problem position for some time and Phillips would be a major upgrade on the club’s current options, should the incoming manager – expected to be announced as Erik ten Hag – approve his arrival.
Leeds would be reluctant to allow their prized possession to leave for their fierce rivals, but United have shown previously their ability to sign stars from Elland Road with Eric Cantona, Rio Ferdinand and Alan Smith among the popular names to have crossed the Pennines.
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