According to the Manchester Evening News, Manchester United are working on a shock deal to pinch Kalvin Phillips from Leeds.
The England international is a massive Leeds fan – his family also support the Whites – so it’s a deal we really can’t see happening.
However, Liverpool could cause the deal to collapse, if they are successful in a transfer pursuit of their own.
What’s the story?
Well, Liverpool are actually interested in signing Raphinha from Leeds, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Leeds seem open to letting the Brazilian leave, if someone meets their £67m asking price (The Mirror).
If Jürgen Klopp is successful in the race to sign Raphinha, we believe it would have a big impact on Phillips and Leeds.
With £67m under their belt, Leeds certainly won’t feel the need to sell Phillips as well, and there would be riots at Elland Road if two key players were sold in one window.
Therefore, depending on how quickly Liverpool make their move for Raphinha, Manchester United’s plans could be spoilt by their bitter rivals.
Liverpool must be quick to beat Manchester United to Leeds star
In truth, this could work both ways – if Manchester United sign Phillips before Raphinha leaves, the South American may be stuck in Yorkshire.
Having said that, we can’t see Phillips leaving before Raphinha.
The 26-year-old is Mr Leeds, and he will surely cause any transfer saga to drag on as he contemplates leaving his beloved side.
For that reason, we’re expecting a much swifter exit for Raphinha this summer, in comparison to Phillips.
If Liverpool can stop Phillips from joining Manchester United, the Leeds supporters will be extremely grateful, to say the least.
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