Manchester City Target 'Widely Expected' To Leave Current Side This Summer

Kalvin Phillips is widely expected to leave Leeds United this summer amid interest from Manchester City, according to a new report.

The 26-year-old has two years left on his existing contract at Elland Road and is currently away with the England National Team for their upcoming Nations League group-stage ties.

Manchester City are expected to make a formal approach for the midfielder when he returns from international duty next week, with Pep Guardiola making Phillips his top target to replace departing skipper Fernandinho ahead of the new campaign.

Whilst Leeds remain in renewal talks with their academy graduate, there is growing belief of a departure for Phillips in the summer as a series of clubs register their interest in the Yorkshire-born ace.

West Ham and Aston Villa are also believed to be keen on signing Phillips, who is currently changing agencies ahead of what could be a big move for the England international's career after rising through the youth ranks at his boyhood club.

Having avoided relegation from the Premier League on the final day of last season, Leeds could demand a hefty sum for Kalvin Phillips as Manchester City look to make an initial offer for the midfielder at the end of the month.

#ManCity are planning an official approach to Leeds for Kalvin Phillips, with Pep Guardiola believing that the midfielder would be 'ideal' for his squad. All the latest developments:

— City Xtra (@City_Xtra) June 8, 2022

According to the latest information of Miguel Delaney of The Independent, Phillips is now widely likely to leave Leeds United this summer.

The prospect of challenging for major trophies and working under Pep Guardiola could tempt Phillips into agreeing a switch to the Etihad Stadium, where he would compete with Rodri for the number six position whilst possibly providing additional cover in the attacking midfield positions.

Manchester City were previously linked with a swoop for each of Frenkie de Jong, Paul Pogba and Declan Rice but the Premier League champions now look set to go all out to secure the arrival of Kalvin Phillips from Leeds.

The Blues have already closed deals for Erling Haaland and Julian Alvarez to strengthen their options in attack after seeing Ferran Torres and Sergio Aguero leave for Barcelona in the last 12 months.

Gabriel Jesus looks set to leave amid interest from Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham whilst it remains to be seen what the future holds for Raheem Sterling as he prepares for contract talks with City following his return from England duty.

Though Nathan Ake looks set to stay despite interest from Newcastle, there remains uncertainty over the future of Oleksandr Zinchenko, who would be allowed to leave Manchester City for a suitable price.