Everton were linked to Kalvin Phillips during the winter transfer window.
The Toffees considered signing Phillips – according to Caught Offside – as Pep Guardiola consistently overlooked the England international at Manchester City, handing him just one appearance this season.
Despite reported interest from those at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, the Leeds academy graduate eventually ended up being loaned out to Sheffield United – where he has done very little to make Everton regret missing out on his signature.
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Rustiness well and truly on show from Kalvin Phillips after Everton links
As aforesaid, Guardiola gave the Yorkshireman only one appearance this season back at Manchester City, and even that was just the final seven minutes of a 2-0 Carabao Cup win over Huddersfield.
This lack of action made us feel Phillips would have been a poor signing for Everton – and his dreadful start to life at Bramall Lane proves us right.
The 2021 England Player of the Year was shown a straight red card after just 49 minutes of the recent Steel City derby between Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday as his side led 2-0.
It gave Sheffield Wednesday – who sit bottom of the Championship on minus seven points and have now officially been relegated – a route back into the game.
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While Sheffield United eventually managed to see out a 2-1 win, it would have been seriously embarrassing to drop any points, and the blame undoubtedly would have lied with Phillips.
The 30-year-old has also struggled in his two Championship appearances before this game, picking up a yellow card in just 23 minutes of action in a 2-1 loss to Middlesbrough, and again receiving a booking in a 1-0 win over Portsmouth as he struggles to get up to speed after a period on the sidelines.
With Raheem Sterling also enduring a slow start at Feyenoord after speaking to Everton in January, we feel this should be a warning sign to The Friedkin Group when it comes to signing these types of players, those who are coming to the end of their best years.
Everton could still do business with Manchester City this summer
Even if Everton decide against reigniting their interest in Phillips – who was also a target under Sean Dyche – it still looks possible that The Friedkin Group engage in negotiations with Manchester City for two other players.
Everton could take Jack Grealish back on another loan deal after a broken foot ended the current campaign prematurely, although any move will depend on whether it makes financial sense for the Toffees.
As Michael Keane nears the end of his contract, reports claim Everton also want John Stones back on a free transfer this summer when his own terms expire at the Etihad Stadium.
Would a return for John Stones on a free make any sense for Everton? 🧐
His experience could prove priceless! 🏆
John Stones lifts the Premier League trophy for Manchester City.
Credit: Getty Images/Justin Setterfield
So, even if Phillips is unlikely to arrive at the Hill Dickinson Stadium amid his struggles in Sheffield, two players may still arrive from Manchester City in Grealish and Stones.
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