Sheffield United loanee Kalvin Phillips would reportedly like to sever ties with Manchester City at the end of the season.
The 30-year-old enjoyed a fairytale rise to prominence with his boyhood club Leeds United, playing a crucial role in the club’s promotion to the Premier League in 2020.
His development continued at a swift rate under the watchful eye of Marcelo Bielsa and he established himself in the England set-up.
A £45m move to Manchester City was completed in the summer of 2022, with Phillips seemingly ready to take his career to the next level.
It has not worked out for the midfielder, who is back in the Championship after loan stints in the top flight with West Ham United and Ipswich Town.
Kalvin Phillips made a surprise loan move to Sheffield United during the last transfer window.placeholder image
Kalvin Phillips made a surprise loan move to Sheffield United during the last transfer window. | Simon Bellis / Sportimage
Kalvin Phillips claim
According to SportsBoom, Phillips has signalled his intent to have a fresh start away from the Etihad Stadium in the summer.
While not thought to be a guaranteed outcome, it has been claimed a termination of his contract by mutual consent is a preferred option for Phillips and representatives.
He is under contract at Manchester City until 2028, but an agreement could be reached if there is willingness from both parties.
Sheffield United midfielder’s injury
Phillips has not featured since his red card in the Steel City derby last month and has undergone a minor knee operation.
However, Blades boss Chris Wilder is hoping to have the midfielder back in a Sheffield United shirt soon.
Sheffield United's Kalvin Phillips was sent off in the Steel City derby last month.placeholder image
Sheffield United's Kalvin Phillips was sent off in the Steel City derby last month. | Danny Lawson/PA Wire
After his side’s 1-1 draw with Birmingham City at the weekend, Wilder said: “He's had a really minor knee clean-up operation, so we're looking for him to be back after the international break. It was a really innocuous challenge [against Sheffield Wednesday].
“He's an outstanding character and player but unfortunately he's not going to be right until after the international break. Hopefully we'll see him before the end of the season in a Sheffield United shirt."
Kalvin Phillips keen to revive career
Shortly after putting pen to paper at Bramall Lane, Phillips spoke candidly about his desire to breathe life back into his career.
He told Sky Sports: “Any player that's been in my situation, I think first and foremost they'll come out and say not playing has been the major reason for them maybe having a dip in their career or whatever.
“And I just feel like staying idle, so many players have done it, where they've stayed at the club for so long and not played. And then their careers have fizzled out. I didn't want that to happen.
“I still feel like I've still got some life in me. I've still got some football in me to play, and I'm looking forward to the next three or four years.”