Man City boss Pep GuardiolaMan City boss Pep Guardiola
Man City boss Pep Guardiola | AFP via Getty Images
The latest Man City and Man Utd transfer news and rumours
A return to Leeds United for Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips has been deemed as slim after the former England international was linked with a return to Elland Road earlier this week.
Phillips joined City from Leeds back in the summer of 2022 in a deal worth £42m but never got going at the Etihad Stadium under Pep Guardiola. The Leeds academy graduate, who was named England men’s player of the year in 2021, was sent to Ipswich Town on a season-long loan last summer.
He still has three years remaining on his deal with City when he returns to the Etihad Stadium. Phillips has long been linked with a return to Leeds but a potential move back has hinged on whether the club earn promotion to the Premier League. They are currently in the top two of the Championship after losing the play-off final to Southampton last season.
Phillips move to Leeds deemed unlikely
The Yorkshire Evening Post has reported that City would want to recoup a good chunk of the £42m they paid for Phillips three years ago and would be seeking a fee in the region of £30m. The midfielder turns 30 in December and the report from the Yorkshire Evening Post adds that the chances of a potential return to Elland Road are slim with Leeds owners 49ers Enterprises not willing to fork out £30m for a player set to turn 30 next season.
Phillips’ future does look set to lie away from City and whether Etihad chiefs look to send him on loan again or secure a permanent exit remains to be seen. He has made just 31 appearances under Guardiola who does not appear to be a fan of the player. City have been short in defensive midfield this season following a serious ACL injury to Rodri. The club signed Nico González from Porto in January to add cover to the position. Phillips has made 19 appearances for Ipswich this season.
Chelsea to ‘step up’ Mainoo pursuit
Manchester United’s Premier League rivals Chelsea re said to be stepping up their pursuit of Kobbie Mainoo. It was claimed last week the midfielder wanted a new contract worth £180,000 a week. It was then further reported that the Red Devils would be willing to sell their academy product for around £70m in the summer.
Caught Offside reports that Chelsea are now keeping an eye on his contract situation as they look to a potential move this summer. The Blues are said to be concerned about Romeo Lavia’s fitness. The Stamford Bridge club beat Liverpool to sign the former Southampton man in a £58m deal back in the summer of 2023 but his minutes have been limited by a number of injury problems.
Mainoo has two years remaining on his contract at United once this season comes to an end but the player and his representatives believe he deserves a new deal that is more reflective of his status within the squad and his place in the England international set-up.
For your next Manchester United read - we have rounded up the latest Red Devils injury news and expected return dates for 11 players ahead of Real Sociedad.
Related topics:Kalvin PhillipsMan CityLeeds UnitedChelsea
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