Former Premier League manager now Sky Sports pundit Alex McLeish has been reacting to Manchester City’s interest in Leeds United star Kalvin Phillips.
The Lowdown: City make Phillips priority
Phillips helped the Whites secure their Premier League status on what was a dramatic final day at the top and bottom.
The 26-year-old played the entirety of the 2-1 win at Brentford, while Pep Guardiola’s side staged an incredible comeback against Aston Villa to lift a fourth title in five years.
[web_stories_embed url="https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-news-44/" title="Latest Leeds United news!" poster="https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/cropped-2022-03-10T184055Z_1834933207_UP1EI3A1FW561_RTRMADP_3_SOCCER-ENGLAND-LEE-AVA-REPORT-1-scaled-1.jpg" width="360" height="600" align="none"]
City have now turned their attention to summer signings, and in a big update from The Times, apparently have Phillips at the top of their list to replace Fernandinho.
The Latest: McLeish reacts
McLeish, 63, was talking to Football Insider regarding Phillips and the update on a possible move to the Etihad.
He believes the Premier League champions would need to pay a ‘hefty’ fee to have any chance of a move materialising.
“Wow, there will have to be a hell of a fee for him. I don’t see him leaving quite at this moment.
“I don’t know Kalvin, I don’t know his team. The one thing you can’t stop is a juggernaut coming for you. I mean one of the giant teams coming for you and paying the money that you just can’t refuse.
“That is possible. It would need to be hefty, he’s kind of at that status now.”
The Verdict: £50m?
Reports last month suggested that Phillips was ready to sign a new deal at Elland Road. Journalist David Anderson recently backed up that claim, however, City’s interest may well scupper those positive plans.
The Premier League champions would be able to offer Champions League football, something other interested sides Aston Villa, Newcastle or West Ham can’t at this moment in time, as well as inevitably huge wages.
Leeds now have a decision to make but should be able to bring in a ‘hefty’ fee, should they decide to cash in over the coming months. Phillips is entering the final two years of his current contract, so a £50m fee could be enough, as reports have claimed.
In other news: Leeds and Orta ask about signing 'extraordinary' talent for Marsch.