Paul Merson has encouraged Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips to join Liverpool over Manchester United, if and when he leaves Elland Road.
Phillips has long been linked with a move to the Red Devils.
The Daily Mail reported last week that the Red Devils sold Daniel James to Leeds to build a good relationship with a view toward signing the 25-year-old, whom Liverpool are reportedly keen on.
According to The Star, the Anfield side have registered an interest in signing the England international.
Phillips’s importance for Leeds is there for all to see this season because without their midfield lynchpin, Marcelo Bielsa’s side can struggle.
Leeds and Manchester United are old rivals, going back decades.
And Merson has written in The Star that in order to preserve his legacy in West Yorkshire, he should elect to join Liverpool.
He said: “Kalvin Phillips should join Liverpool, not Manchester United. If he goes to Anfield he will still be remembered as a Leeds United hero. But if he goes to Old Trafford that all goes out the window.
“And a Leeds United player going to Manchester United? Wow. Better start well! That’s pressure.
“It all depends who the manager is by then as well. United are miles behind Liverpool. Unless they change the manager, he’s not winning trophies there.”
Right?
Merson is right in saying that Phillips – valued at £60 million – could forever wreck his standing among Leeds fans.
As mentioned, the Whites and United just don’t like each other and it would be such a bitter pill for the fanbase to swallow.
The good news for Leeds is that Liverpool do actually need somebody in the Phillips mould.
With Jordan Henderson turning 32 next summer and Jurgen Klopp failing to sign a Gini Wijnaldum replacement, there’s room for someone like Phillips.
But time will tell who wins the race to sign the Leeds sensation.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
