Krishnan Sreekumar
Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips to change agents to secure exit amid Manchester United transfer interest
According to Manchester Evening News, Manchester United could get a transfer boost in their pursuit of Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips, with the player looking to change agents in order to seal an exit from Elland Road.
The Englishman has been hugely impressive for Leeds, being a crucial player in their run from the Championship to the Premier League after spending years away from the top flight. Even in the PL, Phillips has dazzled in midfield against the top sides.
His performances have caught the attention of United, who are keen to secure his signature in the upcoming summer transfer window as they look to sign a defensive midfielder who can effectively shield their weak defence.
Nemanja Matic remains the club’s only defensive midfielder at the moment. With the Serbian departing in the summer, a replacement is a necessity more than a priority and Phillips could perhaps step into the former Chelsea man’s shoes- if he joins the Red Devils, that is.
Leeds hopeful of Phillips stay
It will not be easy to prise the 26-year-old away from Leeds at the end of the season, as the Yorkshire side remains hopeful of keeping him for another year. Further, they have listed him to be worth around £60m, believing that his price tag will deter other clubs from pursuing him.
That being said, they are also aware that the England international will eventually depart Elland Road. This could happen sooner rather than later, as Phillips is about to switch agents in the hopes that he is able to secure a transfer away from his boyhood club after impressing at the UEFA 2020 Euros last summer.
Despite the player being injured for a long time this season, Leeds still value him at a high price. That cannot come as a surprise, given how crucial he is to the team. There can be no doubt that the Premier League side are a better team with him in it.
The prospect of selling one of their own to an arch-rival will not sit well with the fans, and could even damage the reputation Phillips has built in Yorkshire. He rose through the ranks at the club’s academy and has spent his senior career with just one side.
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However, history has taught us that players have been traded between the two clubs despite their long-running rivalry. Eric Cantona, Rio Ferdinand, and Alan Smith have all been roped in from Leeds, while in recent times, we have seen Daniel James depart Manchester to join the other side.
Fans will hope that they see Phillips join this list of players that have turned out for both clubs in the summer when new manager Erik ten Hag arrives to take charge of the team. If all goes well, perhaps the Leeds man could be the new spine of the midfield under ten Hag.
