David James has told GGRecon that Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips should join Steven Gerrard’s Aston Villa, not Manchester United.
The former Liverpool goalkeeper believes that Villa would be the perfect club for Phillips to move to for the next chapter in his career.
The pundit has added that Manchester United should make a bid for the 26-year-old England international, but he has advised the midfielder against switching to Old Trafford.
The Times reported this month that Villa are leading the race for Phillips and are ready to pay £60 million for him.
The Sun reported in December 2021 that Manchester United are interested in the Englishman.
James told GGRecon: “I do believe Aston Villa and Manchester United should compete for Kalvin Phillips’ signature if he becomes available this summer. He’s one of my favourite players and that’s not solely due to his footballing talent, but he’s a wonderful human being too.
“The lure would naturally be Manchester United because of the size of the club but this is Kalvin Phillips who plays for Leeds United. But I also think playing under Steven Gerrard in that Aston Villa squad, and adding to that where Stevie wants to take them, I believe would be the right stepping stone for Kalvin Phillips.
“I don’t want to insinuate that Aston Villa are a stepping stone, but Gerrard will realistically want to manage a team that’s eventually competing for major honours, whether that’s Liverpool or another club.
“Kalvin could become a member of Stevie’s group at Villa and then if he does well then he can go with Stevie to the next club he moves onto. Once Stevie likes a player then he sticks with them, which is something you can sense from his relationships. I can see Stevie bringing success to Villa and that would be one exciting bus for Kalvin Phillips to be on.”
Kalvin Phillips would make Aston Villa better
In our opinion, Phillips would be a brilliant signing for Villa and would make Steven Gerrard’s side extremely strong in the middle of the park.
The 26-year-old is very dynamic and combative in the middle of the park and works hard for the team.
Phillips is also able to drive the team forward and contribute in attack.
Leeds, though, are unlikely to be willing to sell one of their best players who is also hugely popular among the Elland Road faithful.
Villa will also have to convince Phillips why he should leave his boyhood club, especially if Leeds are able to retain their Premier League status for next season.
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