Former Leeds United goalkeeper Paddy Kenny has reacted to Manchester United’s interest in Kalvin Phillips, Football Insider report.
The Lowdown: Manchester United ‘working on a deal’
Phillips has been linked with a number of clubs in recent months, with Aston Villa, Newcastle United and West Ham all showing an interest.
Manchester United have become the latest side to be name-checked when it comes to Phillips, with the Red Devils now ‘working on a deal’ for the England international.
The 26-year-old is in the process of changing agents and is keen to stay at Elland Road, however, Kenny feels a move to Old Trafford shouldn’t be ruled out at this stage.
The Latest: Kenny’s comments
Kenny was talking to FI about the update on Manchester United's move for Phillips. He claimed that Leeds fans ‘will be devastated’ if a move materialised, labelling it as ‘a difficult one to turn down’.
“He’s Leeds through and through but we saw that with Jack Grealish didn’t we?
“He’s Villa through and through but he decided to sign for Manchester City last summer.
“If an offer like that comes in, it might never come again. Can you afford to say no?
“It’s like Lampard at Chelsea. He didn’t know if it was going to work out but that offer might not come again, you have to take it.
“It will be interesting to see if this move happens. The fans will be devastated if he does go.
“As a player, you have to look to the future and Leeds are a big club but Man United are one of the biggest in the world.
“It’s a difficult one to turn down, that’s for sure.”
The Verdict: Surely not…
Phillips is a boyhood Leeds fan, so he’ll know all about the fierce rivalry between the two clubs.
The Red Devils may not even be in a position to offer him Champions League football either next season, so a move across the Pennines doesn’t look too appealing as it once did.
The Red Devils could do with midfield additions over the summer, though, so it could be a real coup if they managed to persuade Phillips to move to Old Trafford over the coming months.
In other news: 'Ten Hag has' - Fabrizio Romano now drops Man Utd twist after what he's heard from Old Trafford.