Leeds United’s win over Millwall on Sunday has seen them go into the international break at the top of the Championship table – and promotion will be a requirement, if Leeds go in for Kalvin Phillips.
The 28-year-old is currently on loan at West Ham from Manchester City after managing just 31 outings in 18 months for Pep Guardiola‘s side. But it is not going to plan at West Ham – with Phillips struggling.
Mistakes against Bournemouth and Manchester United, and a red card against Forest, has seen Phillips lose his place under David Moyes. He was an unused sub during the weekend’s draw against Aston Villa.
Moyes has changed his mind on a permanent deal for the England man – who was left out of Gareth Southgate’s latest squad. But, there is a growing belief that Leeds could go back in for the midfielder.
Phillips came through the academy at Elland Road and played 234 times for Leeds at senior level before his move to Man City in 2022. It is claimed that if Leeds are promoted, which looks likely, he may
Leeds might have to fork out a club-record fee for Kalvin Phillips
TeamTalk now say that Manchester City won’t stand in the way of Phillips if Leeds do make a bid to lure him back to Elland Road in the summer. But, there is a problem. A club-record fee might be needed.
The most Leeds have spent on one player is Georginio Rutter, for £35m. But TeamTalk say Manchester City will want to recoup as much of the initial £42m they paid to sign the midfielder just two years ago.
Not just that, but Phillips’ wages at City are enormous – as is the way with playing for City. A loan deal might be more likely for Phillips and Leeds, given he has a contract at The Etihad until the summer.
