Manchester City will be ‘launching a bid soon’ for Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips as he is ‘absolutely perfect’ for Pep Guardiola’s side, journalist Jacque Talbot has claimed.

The Lowdown: Phillips transfer rumours

According to a report by The Athletic, it is expected that the 26-year-old will contemplate forcing through a move to the Premier League champions if a bid is tabled this summer. It is believed that an offer of around £50m would be enough for the Whites to allow the midfielder to make the switch to the Etihad Stadium.

Whilst this would match West Ham’s bid put forward in January, City’s offer would be more likely to be accepted given Phillips’ desire to join the Manchester club.

The Latest: Talbot’s claim on Phillips

Talbot, who works as a freelance journalist for The Times, The Mirror and The Guardian, believes that City are now set to head to the negotiating table and submit a bid for the Leeds star.

When asked on Sunday evening whether Phillips has a long-term future at Elland Road, the reporter told GiveMeSport: “There’s been no talk of contracts yet because the only clubs that he would have gone to is a team like Manchester City or Liverpool.

“He’s absolutely perfect for Manchester City. It sounds like they’re going to be launching a bid soon.

“I imagine it will be accepted by Leeds and he will go on and play Champions League football. He is absolutely perfect for them.”

The Verdict: He'd be a great signing

With Fernandinho leaving the club this summer after nine years at the Etihad, Phillips would likely be a fantastic replacement for the City captain, given the Englishman's defensive attributes.

When compared with positional peers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year, the 26-year-old ranks in the 98th percentile for pressures, the 97th percentile for tackles and the 96th percentile for blocks (via FBRef), all indicating his no-nonsense nature in the midfield engine room.

With Guardiola looking to add depth to compete with Rodri in the holding midfield position, Phillips’ prospective arrival at the Etihad would be a great addition to the champions’ squad.

In other news: Pep Guardiola is fighting to keep hold of this Man City star