Kalvin Phillips has been persistently linked with a return to Leeds United since last summer, but a reunion at Elland Road now appears unlikely, even as the midfielder edges closer to a January exit from Manchester City.
Despite the ongoing speculation, Leeds opted to strengthen their midfield with two new signings after promotion and never progressed the rumours into a concrete attempt to bring Phillips back.
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The England international has struggled for minutes under Pep Guardiola this season, remaining on the periphery of the squad, and it is becoming increasingly clear that his long-term future lies away from the Etihad Stadium.
With Manchester City spending heavily in the current transfer window, the club are keen to offload fringe players such as Phillips before the window closes later this evening.
Manchester City are ready to push ex-Leeds star Kalvin Phillips out today
Manchester City have been trying to offload Phillips for a couple of years. Loan moves to West Ham and Ipswich Town didn’t work out for him, and he returned to the Etihad last summer.
A return to Leeds has often been mooted, but the club are wary of the financial cost of a deal, given his huge wages as a Manchester City player.
According to CaughtOffSide, the relationship between the player and Manchester City has reached a breaking point with hours left in the winter window.
The Premier League giants are desperate to offload him and are prepared to accept as little as £10m to move him on before the window closes tonight.
Manchester City accept that they would have to agree to even a lower figure to ensure that Phillips is not on their books when the transfer window closes.
However, his wages are a huge turn-off for potential suitors, and Manchester City would have to agree to subsidise his salary to offload him today.
Wolves have been linked with a move for Phillips, but no agreement is in place between the two clubs for the transfer to go through.
Leeds will not get involved on deadline day
Leeds were believed to have an interest in Phillips, with a potential loan move underlining their openness to a return to Elland Road previously.
Kalvin Phillips’ career record at Leeds United
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Appearances
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Assists
That said, finances remained the major stumbling block. The Whites could not afford even a small share of the midfielder’s wages, and unless Manchester City were prepared to cover a substantial portion of his salary, any deal was unrealistic.
From a squad-building perspective, Leeds are also well stocked in defensive midfield, making it a lower priority. The more urgent need lies further forward, where goals and creativity have been lacking.
As a result, rather than pursuing another holding midfielder on deadline day, Leeds are prioritising attacking additions.