Varun Pai
Manchester United are keen on a deal for Leeds ace Kalvin Philipps but could face obstacles
According to the Daily Star (h/t Express), Manchester United might face an uphill task to lure Leeds United star Kalvin Philipps to Old Trafford due to the player’s ‘reluctance’ to move currently.
The 25-year-old has been a vital part of the Peacocks since being promoted to the senior setup in 2015. Philipps has been a part of the club through their Championship journeys, and he has proven to be a key member of their Premier League campaigns as well now.
Last season, the Englishman racked up 31 appearances in all competitions and also contributed to 4 goals in the process. And, his performances have not gone unnoticed, and Manchester United are now prioritising a move for the midfielder.
The Red Devils are said to have earmarked a move for a defensive midfielder next summer, while they are also understood to be on the lookout for cheaper alternatives than West Ham midfielder Declan Rice.
However, luring Philipps out of Elland Road is not going to be an easy task. The two clubs are bitter rivals while the player himself enjoys playing under Marcelo Bielsa as the Argentine manager has been a key part of the 25-year-old’s development.
In fact, it is also said that the Englishman is ‘reluctant to leave his hometown club’ as he is enjoying his time there currently, according to Daily Star (h/t Express).
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The Old Trafford outfit have previously poached some of Leeds’ best players like Eric Cantona, Rio Ferdinand and Alan Smith and would be hoping to orchestrate a similar move for Philipps.
While it will take a sizeable effort to do so, given the kind of players the Red Devils have convinced to sign this summer in the form of Raphael Varane and Cristiano Ronaldo, they could pull off a move for the Englishman as they look to strengthen their midfield line.
