Sheffield United are closing in on the signing of Kalvin Phillips, The Star understands, as the Manchester City midfielder edges closer to a return to Bramall Lane. The former England international spent the second half of last season on loan in South Yorkshire.
The move didn’t work out as any party involved would have wanted, with the 30-year-old making just three appearances before a knee issue prematurely ended his campaign.
But that hasn’t dissuaded boss Chris Wilder from looking to bring Phillips back as he looks to put the finishing touches to his squad ahead of the closure of the transfer window on September 1.
Phillips is not part of City’s plans but has two years left on his lucrative contract and an exit always looked likely this summer, especially when he was left out of City’s squad for their pre-season tour.
And barring any unforeseen issues in the deal he is expected to return to United and further bolster their midfield options, with Sydie Peck, Oliver Arblaster, Jairo Riedewald and Joe Rothwell already competing for a starting spot.
For the latest Blades news straight to your inbox, sign up for The Star’s free Sheffield United newsletter
The Star has a dedicated Sheffield United WhatsApp Channel to bring you the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates direct to your phone. Simply click here to join
United negotiated an attractive deal to sign Phillips from City in January and the midfielder passed a rigorous medical before picking up the unfortunate knee injury in his final Blades game, a 2-1 win over rivals Wednesday at Bramall Lane.
“You always hear noise about certain stuff [about his fitness record],” Wilder said of Phillips earlier this summer. “Players have to pass medicals, and sometimes we can't sign players who have played 46 games over the last five seasons.
“Sometimes they come with bits and pieces. So, a collective decision will be made, but he’s definitely somebody of interest. Somebody we love working with, and somebody that adds something, on the pitch and off the pitch, that maybe we're after and could help us.”
Speaking to our sister ‘paper, the Yorkshire Evening Post, after reporting back to City, Phillips said of his time at Bramall Lane: "It was all right, all two games of it. I suffered an injury which kept me out for the rest of the season.
“And that's been the problem for me the last three years of not playing regularly. It's made me acquire more injuries and stuff like that. So I'm looking forward to hopefully having a good season, actually."
Kalvin Phillips: Sheffield United closing in on major transfer boost as Blades edge closer to Man City repeat
Kalvin Phillips: Sheffield United closing in on major transfer boost as Blades edge closer to Man City repeat