"Definitely" - Chris Wilder clarifies Sheffield United's Kalvin Phillips transfer stance after Leeds United icon talks
Chris Wilder has confirmed Sheffield United would “definitely” be interested in re-signing Kalvin Phillips next summer after praising the Manchester City loanee’s off-field contribution despite his lack of playing time since arriving in January. The former England international has managed just 161 minutes of normal time so far.
His last appearance was in the Sheffield derby win over Wednesday back in February when he was sent off for a foul on Svante Ingelsson and also damaged a knee, which resulted in a clean-up operation which has kept him out since.
The 30-year-old is closing in on a return to the pitch, though, ahead of tomorrow’s clash with Hull City at Bramall Lane. As we revealed earlier this week, United are considering the possibility of another deal for Phillips last season, although it would rely on another generous contribution from City in terms of his wages.
The Premier League giants are heavily subsidising Phillips’ salary during his time at United, with some of the figures flying around on social media about the portion United are paying hugely wide of the mark.
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For his part, Phillips would also be keen to return to Bramall Lane next term and asked about our report of United’s interest, Wilder confirmed: “Definitely. He'll have a lot of people still after him. It was a fabulous move that Steve Bettis put together, with Man City, from our point of view.
“It's nowhere near what people think it is, and run away in the wildest dreams. Obviously that's their lack of knowledge on the situation. We brought a really good pro in. Obviously, he was unfortunately unlucky with his injury. And he was, because he passed the medical. And he had a medical, before any of that noise comes out. And it was a tough medical as well, like they all are.
“He's not played as much as he wanted to play but he’s been in around the place. I've spoken to him and I just basically said to him, as basic as this: ‘If we are an option, we'd love to be an option. And one that is there for you. Your agent and your parent club.’
"Definitely" - Chris Wilder clarifies Sheffield United's Kalvin Phillips transfer stance after Leeds United icon talks
“He certainly ticks the boxes, in terms of personality and characteristics. The character that we're after on the pitch. As well as off of it. So there's no pressure. I think we're well stocked next year in the middle of the park. Joe Rothwell, I thought was good on Monday. Second half especially.
“We’ve got some good options in there. But with Kalvin, if there's an opportunity, I'm sure we'll try and explore that one.”
United officials have been impressed with Phillips’ commitment to the Blades since he arrived late in the last window in a surprise loan deal. “He's been to every one of our home games, and he's been in here for 90 per cent of his time on his rehab,” Wilder added.
“I think that just shows you what he's about. He's been in player meetings. He was in a midfield players meeting last week, and he didn't have to be in that. He contributed. Because we spoke to the players regarding their performances, and what we can improve on. Between now and the end of the season and going forward. I asked him.
“We asked him. We opened it up. We challenged the players as well on that. And he was vocal. So I think that tells everything of what he's about. He could quite easily shake everybody's hand and say: ‘I'm sorry it hasn't really worked out, I'm back over to Man City.’
“And that’s with no disrespect to where we are as a football club and our training facilities. And Man City’s. But he's here all the time. And he's dialled in. He's all in, in what we're doing. He will be until the end of his time here. And that's invaluable for us.”
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