Former Premier League owner Simon Jordan wonders if Manchester City would have reservations about potentially letting England international Kalvin Phillips join Liverpool this summer.
Of course, much will depend on how Man City really see their old rivals these days. You’d have struggled to insert a piece of cigarette paper between Pep Guardiola’s side and Jurgen Klopp’s only a couple of years ago.
Last season, however, the gap turned into a chasm; City storming to yet another top-flight crown while an unconvincing and arguably underfunded Liverpool fell short of the top four.
Some are arguing that Liverpool will struggle to reach the promised land of the Champions League spots again this term unless they can strengthen a midfield lacking bite and defensive resilience following the exits of James Milner, Jordan Henderson and Fabinho, despite the recent addition of former Stuttgart captain Wataru Endo.
Liverpool eye Man City benchwarmer Kalvin Phillips
According to talkSPORT, Liverpool could turn to Kalvin Phillips; the £50 million so-called ‘Yorkshire Pirlo’ who first caught their eye while pulling the strings at Leeds United.
Jordan, however, wonders how Man City would feel about the prospect of letting an England international and an established Premier League performer join a club who – if they can get their act together – could still force their way back into the title picture.
“I am not quite as big an admirer as others might be. But, notwithstanding that, I think Liverpool have a need (for midfielder),” the ex-Crystal Palace chairman tells talkSPORT (21 August, 11.40am).
“It will be interesting to see if there is any resistance from Man City about doing business with Liverpool. If there is any pushback on the idea that you are enhancing a rival by giving them something that they are missing.”
Manchester City sold both Oleksandr Zinchenko and Gabriel Jesus to Arsenal in 2022 and were very nearly left red-faced; the former Etihad duo helping transform Mikel Arteta’s side into genuine title challengers.
Phillips won a treble in his debut season at City. Then again, he only started two Premier League games due to injury and the irrepressible form of Rodri.
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