The Blades remain keen on bringing Kalvin Phillips back to Bramall Lane despite uncertainty surrounding Manchester City’s future after Pep Guardiola, with Chris Wilder a long-term admirer of the former England midfielder.
Sheffield United do not expect Pep Guardiola's departure from Manchester City to impact their pursuit of former England international too much this summer, The Star understands. The Blades are keen on a reunion with the ex-Leeds United man.
His impact on the field was limited last season after joining on loan in January, playing just three times before his season was prematurely ended by an injury he picked up in the derby victory over Wednesday at Bramall Lane.
But Blades staff were impressed by his impact behind the scenes at Bramall Lane and, as we revealed earlier this month, the interest in Phillips was a major factor in United's shock U-turn over the future of Jairo Riedewald.
The Dutchman himself was even said to be taken by surprise by United's decision to release him, despite previous indications that he would see his one-year contract option taken up.
It was a big call by boss Chris Wilder, especially given Riedewald's impact on United's performances and results last season and the uncertainty around Phillips' future.
The departure of Guardiola, after 10 years at the Etihad, threatened to be a further complication. His former No.2, Enzo Maresca, is lined up to replace him.
Maresca worked with Phillips during their time together at the Etihad and the midfielder has gone on record to praise the impact the then-coach had on his game.
But with City looking to recover their Premier League title next season and chasing an improved showing in the Champions League, the expectation is that they will look externally rather than to a player who has played just 32 times for them in all competitions since a big-money move from Leeds back in 2022.
The suggestion from sources close to Bramall Lane is that United will attempt to broker another loan deal for Phillips, rather than the permanent which has been suggested in some circles this summer.
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He still has two more years on the lucrative six-year deal he penned in 2022 and any deal would once again need financial assistance from City to get over the line.
But they showed they were willing to heavily subsidise Phillips' wages last season in order to get him playing first-team football again. Phillips is said to have remained professional during his time on the sidelines at City, which could also play in his favour when it comes to his next move.
Speaking before the end of the season, after we revealed United's ongoing interest in a return deal for 32-year-old Phillips, boss Wilder said: “He’ll have a lot of people still after him.
“We’ve brought a really good pro in. He was unlucky with his injury and he’s not played as much as he wanted to play. I spoke to him and said that we’d love to be an option for you, your agent and your parent club if that is a possibility.
“He certainly ticks the box in terms of personality and characteristics, off the pitch and on it. If there’s an opportunity, I’m sure we’ll try and explore that one.”
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