Manchester United are working on a controversial deal to sign Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips at the end of the season.
That’s according to a report from the Manchester Evening News, who claim that United are advancing with a move to sign Phillips.
It’s suggested that United fancy Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham but feel both players are far too expensive right now.
A deal for Phillips may be a touch cheaper, and Phillips being a natural holding midfielder is also very appealing to United.
With Erik ten Hag set to become United boss, he will have the final say on a deal for Phillips, but it’s thought that United are pressing ahead with a deal.
Phillips has also been linked with the likes of Newcastle United, Aston Villa and West Ham United, all of which felt a little unlikely.
Newcastle may have the cash to do a deal, but is that big enough step up for Phillips to throw away his Leeds career?
You have to wonder whether Phillips would want to trade Leeds for United too.
Of course, on paper it’s a step up with United challenging for top four places and having aspirations of a title push in the future.
The rivalry between Leeds and United can’t be ignored though. Remember Alan Smith? A Leeds boy through and through, he ruined his Leeds legacy by joining United in 2004.
The reaction to Smith’s move will be a warning to any player who fancies trading Leeds for United, but especially those who have come through the ranks.
Phillips is in the same boat, and would really risk turning himself from hero to villain at Elland Road.
Hailed as ‘fantastic’ by Jesse Marsch just last weekend, it’s clear that Phillips is a key man around Leeds and he has been missed in his four months out injured.
We can’t quite see Phillips throwing away his Leeds legacy to join United, but after Smith you really can’t rule anything out.
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