Manchester City are ‘expected to pursue’ a deal for Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips, claims Daily Mail journalist Jack Gaughan.
The Lowdown: Fernandinho’s departure
After nine years at the Etihad, club captain Fernandinho is set to return to Brazil with a move back to Athletico Paranaense.
The 37-year-old said his goodbyes during Monday’s Premier League title parade after winning his 14th trophy with the Sky Blues.
The defensive midfielder amassed 383 appearances for City, scoring 26 goals and producing 33 assists during this time.
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The Latest: Phillips the perfect target
With Fernandinho’s departure, City have set their sights on signing a new central midfielder.
According to a report by the Daily Mail, Leeds star Kalvin Phillips tops the list of potential replacements. The 26-year-old has been identified as having the 'perfect profile' for the position.
Daily Mail journalist Jack Gaughan also shared the news to Twitter, claiming: “Man City expected to pursue deal for Kalvin Phillips over the coming weeks”.
The Verdict: Great signing
With previous reports linking West Ham ace Declan Rice with a move to the Etihad, the news that City are interested in his England midfield-partner hardly comes as a surprise.
With Fernandinho’s departure, it is necessary for director of football Txiki Begiristain to dip into the transfer market and sort a replacement, given the Brazilian’s importance to Pep Guardiola’s side.
Therefore, if City can convince Leeds to sell their ‘powerful’ midfielder for the right price, this will be a great signing for the Cityzens and possibly a cheaper one than Rice.
In other news: Manchester City: Danny Mills makes Declan Rice transfer claim