Krishnan Sreekumar
Leeds United star Kalvin Phillips urged to snub Manchester United transfer for Aston Villa by ex-England keeper
Speaking to GGRecon (h/t Express), former England goalkeeper David James has urged Leeds United star Kalvin Phillips to snub other clubs in favour of a move to Aston Villa, amid transfer interest from Manchester United.
The 26-year-old midfielder has been one of the star performers for Leeds ever since his senior debut for the club, helping them earn promotion back into the English top-flight. His performances at Elland Road seem to have caught the eye of the Red Devils, who are looking for midfield reinforcements in the summer.
James, who won an FA Cup with Portsmouth and spent a spell with our rivals Liverpool, has advised Phillips to snub a move to big clubs like United to instead secure a move to a side like Villa. Given the historic rivalry between Leeds and United, it would also not be a favourable transfer.
“He’s one of my favourite players and that’s not solely due to his footballing talent, but he’s a wonderful human being too. The lure would naturally be Manchester United because of the size of the club but this is Kalvin Phillips who plays for Leeds United.”
Thus far, Phillips has not given any indication to actively lead his boyhood club nor has the Yorkshire side announced the player’s departure in the summer. Given how crucial he is to the team, it wouldn’t be a surprise if they are not so keen on letting him go at the end of the season.
“He can go with Stevie”
There have been some massive changes at Villa this season, with the side bringing in Steven Gerrard from Rangers to be their new manager, as well as making some fantastic signings in January by snapping up Philippe Coutinho and Lucas Digne to bolster their squad.
James said that Phillips could not only become a member of Gerrard’s side at Villa Park but also move on with the former England skipper if he decides to pursue his managerial ambitions elsewhere. The goalkeeper also predicted Gerrard to bring success to Villa, and that Phillips would be better off with the Liverpool legend.
“Kalvin could become a member of Stevie’s group at Villa and then if he does well then he can go with Stevie to the next club he moves onto. Once Stevie likes a player then he sticks with them, which is something you can sense from his relationships. I can see Stevie bringing success to Villa and that would be one exciting bus for Kalvin Phillips to be on.”
Ever since Gerrard’s arrival, the Villans have looked a different side, offering more in attack and looking solid at the back. The ex-Rangers boss certainly has made an impression during his short stay so far and could look to add more players to help them push up the table next season.
United’s midfield has its own set of issues, with a midfield general capable of breaking down opposition attacks missing from the side. Nemanja Matic operates in the role, but at 33, there is no guarantee about the Serbian playing every game or lasting long at the club in the coming years.
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It remains to be seen if Paul Pogba stays at Old Trafford beyond the summer while Scott McTominay and Fred can do with a bit of competition in the middle of the park. James Garner is one loanee who has impressed out on loan but then again, he is yet to be properly tested in the Premier League.
Phillips would have been an ideal target for the Red Devils, but it remains to be seen whether the Englishman is keen on a move away from Leeds in the first place. Dan James’ move from United to Leeds recently showed that there is a line of communication between the two fierce rivals and hence, however unlikely it may seem right now, it’s unwise to completely rule out Man United potentially bringing in the Englishman.
