Manchester City defender Kalvin Phillips has been named by Manchester United as a top midfield target for next summer's transfer window, according to The Sun. Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola said he was sorry for Phillips' unavailability but the England international has no future in his squad and is likely to leave. Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag admires Phillips and could be looking to bring him in again. Phillips had refused to join Manchester United, citing his reluctance to join his arch-rivals as a Leeds United fan. At Manchester City, however, Phillips' style was so far removed from Pep Guardiola's that it was never reused. Phillips has yet to start a single start for City this season, with all eight appearances coming as a substitute. Even if Rodri is suspended, Pep Guardiolanonen could play as a central defender at the back and not use the England international. According to the source, 'Manchester United are watching the situation of Phillips very carefully, who could be loaned out by Manchester City in January and then seeking a permanent move next summer, with Ten Hag at the top of the queue looking to bring him in.'
He is very optimistic about Phillips' style of play and thinks his style suits United well and fits perfectly with the philosophy he wants to instill in the team." In addition, the 28-year-old Phillips is also in line with the strategy of the new Manchester United owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, as he wants to localise the squad. The source added, "The new investors want Manchester United FC to focus on buying and developing English players, with Phillips remaining one of the best English players in the Premier League." It's not the first time a player has moved from Manchester City to Manchester United, but it's always a controversial practice." It is worth mentioning that Pep Guardiola said that he would not block the transfer of Phillips, even to Manchester United. In recent years, he has sold Raheem Sterling, Palmer, Zinchenko, Jesus and others to Premier League rivals Chelsea, Arsenal and other teams. Doing so allows Manchester City to receive hundreds of millions of dollars in transfer fees, which can bring in new players who are more in line with the manager's tactics. The source explained that "there is a feeling that Pep Guardiola is not going to stand in the way of Phillips.
His move to Manchester City was unsuccessful and Pep Guardiola is keen to resolve the issue as soon as possible". United's midfield has been one of the team's most problematic positions. Manchester United's £60 million new signing Mason Mount has been underwhelming, coupled with a series of injuries, while Ten Hag's favourite Amrabat has also been up and down, and the Moroccan midfielder, who joined on loan from Fiorentina, may not be bought out. Phillips' defensive style, as well as his experience in the Premier League, may be a better fit for Ten Hag's midfield position. The midfield has always been something United need to improve. Amrabat has been fine on loan but he is not considered a long-term Manchester United player. If United can bring in Phillips, he will fill that position. In addition, Casemiro's future is also a question mark. Although he has a long-term contract, United may consider ** if there is a ** due to his high salary. Manchester United are also reportedly considering bringing in La Liga Valencia midfielder J**i Guerra.
The 20-year-old midfielder only burst onto the scene in the second half of last season but is now a star, scoring three goals and providing one assist in 16 La Liga games. Spain** said Valencia had a price tag of at least £34 million, while the breach of his contract was as high as £86 million.