Leeds are resigned to losing Kalvin Phillips to Manchester City, who are confident on a deal for the midfielder ahead of a formal approach in the coming weeks, according to a new report.
The 26-year-old has been identified as City's main target to replace departing captain Fernandinho ahead of the new season, as the Blues look to kick on from a league winning campaign and challenge on all fronts next season.
With two years left on his existing deal at Elland Road, Leeds will set a sizeable asking price for their academy graduate but Manchester City are believed to be hot in their pursuit of the Yorkshireman and are expected to make a formal approach for the England international this month.
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As reported by The Athletic, the signs are that Manchester City will follow up their recent acquisitions of Erling Haaland and Julian Alvarez by presenting a bid in the region of £45-50 million for Phillips - a fee the English champions believe would match Leeds' valuation of their midfielder.
It has been revealed a concrete offer from City is coming and will be made once Phillips returns from international duty after England's disappointing 4-0 loss to Hungary in the Nations League on Tuesday evening.
There is confidence amongst those at the Etihad Stadium that Phillips would express a desire to make the move to Manchester City once an offer arrives - having ruled out the possibility of joining his boyhood club's historic rivals Manchester United.
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Manchester City and Pep Guardiola are believed to be tracking Phillips since Fernandinho announced he would be ending his time at the club this summer, with a return to Brazil looking likely for the 37-year-old.
Moreover, discussions amongst the board about a potential swoop for the Leeds-born star intensified in the closing weeks of the previous campaign as interest heightened in Phillips, with West Ham and Aston Villa also keen on signing the Englishman.
Leeds have been aware of the rising interest in Phillips from the Premier League champions and despite hoping to tie down their academy graduate to a new deal, they are resigned to losing their home-grown talent to City.
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After spending nearly £65 million on Erling Haaland and Julian Alvarez already this year, City have the funds in place to reach an agreement with Leeds for Phillips, who has made his name as one of the best defensive midfielders in the Premier League since Leeds' promotion to the top-flight in 2020.
Pep Guardiola is keen on strengthening competition for Rodri in the number six position and believes Phillips will fit into his side and help their bid to challenge on all fronts in the years to come.
Whilst there has been little contact between the two sides over a deal since the end of last season, City are now expected to make their move and present an offer for Phillips, who could be tempted to make the switch owing to the prospect of winning major trophies and playing Champions League football.
Topics: Manchester City Transfer News & Rumours, Manchester City, Premier League, Kalvin Phillips, Leeds United, Pep Guardiola
Vayam Lahoti