After failing to sign West Ham midfielder Declan Rice last summer, Manchester United have now turned their sights towards Leeds United Kalvin Phillips, reports Manchester Evening News.
Following the recent appointment of Erik ten Hag, who is set to take over managerial duties from July 1, United are ready to open talks with Phillips. The Leeds midfielder has been linked with a departure, and with the Yorkshire club struggling close to the Premier League’s relegation zone, the 26-year-old might be tempted to secure an exit this summer.
The Red Devils are reportedly set to begin negotiations with Leeds. The report also goes on to add that ‘Yorkshire Pirlo’ Phillips is valued between 50 and 60 million pounds which is considerably less than the hefty 150 million price tag that West Ham have put on Rice.
Manchester United were heavily linked with Rice last summer but couldn’t manage the necessary funds to secure the transfer before eventually getting sidetracked by the pursuit of Cristiano Ronaldo.
As a result, they’ve had to pay the price for it this season. United’s midfield has been a particular area of concern and opposition have been able to carve through them without much hassle. This lack of defensive security has also prevented the likes of Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba from expressing themselves in the final third.
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Philllps, along with Rice, was excellent for England in the Euro 2020 and United’s interest in these players make sense. Rice is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after midfielders in Europe, but Phillips will be a much cheaper alternative if United are unwilling to blow their entire transfer budget on just a single player.
The Whites are currently in 16th place and are in danger of getting dragged into the relegation race in the final stretches of the season. As a result, they will not have plenty of negotiation power if an offer comes calling.
