Exc: Leeds United hero eyeing Sheffield United transfer move as Blades look to hit ground running in big rebuild
Sheffield United will explore the possibility of re-signing Kalvin Phillips on loan from Manchester City in the summer, The Star understands, with the former England international keen on returning to Bramall Lane again next term. Phillips arrived at Bramall Lane on deadline day in the winter window.
He has not played since being sent off in the derby-day victory over Wednesday earlier this year, after injuring his knee in the same game. He has since undergone an operation to tidy up the issue, although United hope he will return before the end of the current season.
But even if he doesn’t, that may not spell the end of his association with United. Blades coaching staff are understood to be impressed with Phillips’ attitude since he was given a career lifeline at United, after a frustrating spell on the sidelines at Manchester City.
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As we reported earlier this year, United are paying only a fraction of Phillips’ mammoth City wages while he is at United and the arrangement has been described by one insider as “the deal of the century.”
But any loan move next term would again require financial co-operation from City, with United expected to tighten their belts further in the summer when their parachute payments officially dry up.
But the situation could be swung in their favour by the player’s stance. The Star has been told that Phillips has enjoyed his new lease of life at United and would be keen to return next term. Moving to United has allowed him to return to his native Yorkshire, having risen to prominence at United’s Yorkshire rivals Leeds United.
Despite his standing in the game - including being part of the England side that reached the Euro 2020 final at Wembley before his move to City - Phillips’ humility has been noted at Bramall Lane and Shirecliffe. The fact that he has worn United training gear during his time out, rather than City’s, has only reinforced the belief that he is fully bought-in to United.
Sources close to Phillips’ camp have indicated that he would be reluctant to move abroad this summer, when he enters the final year of his lucrative City contract. He may not have contributed as much on the field as he would have liked just yet, but his presence is said to have rubbed off on United’s young players such as Oliver Arblaster and Sydie Peck.
Both those young midfielders are expected to form a key part of United’s midfield options next term, alongside another former Leeds man in Joe Rothwell. Former Everton man Tom Davies is facing an uncertain Lane future ahead of his contract expiry this summer, while Djibril Soumare will return to Braga when his loan deal expires after a largely underwhelming season.
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