Kalvin Phillips transfer choice ‘clear’ as Man Utd are given unwanted answer
Kalvin Phillips’ transfer choice has reportedly been made clear to his agent should the midfielder depart his beloved Leeds United at the end of the season.
Phillips’ deal at Leeds is currently due to expire in summer 2024 and talks over an extension are taking place. However, with nothing yet finalised, the British tabloid press are strongly pushing claims that Phillips will be heading out the exit door at Elland Road.
Naturally, there is no shortage of admirers for England’s 2021 Player of the Year. As such, Manchester United are long-time suitors for the player with the Red Devils looking to bolster their midfield options.
However, according to strongly-worded report in The Sun on Thursday, Phillips has no intention of joining the Red Devils.
Citing the rivalry that exists between the two clubs, they state Phillips knows how a move there would leave a sour taste. And not wanting to damage his Leeds legacy, the paper instead claims a move to Liverpool is his preferred pick.
Any deal is likely to cost them £60m – a fee they are willing to meet as they consider Jordan Henderson’s long-term replacement.
Liverpool are Kalvin Phillips transfer pick
And they claim Phillips’ preference is to move to Liverpool. Indeed, an earlier report claimed Phillips is fearful of repercussions for his family were he to move to Old Trafford.
However, Leeds will fight tooth and nail to keep Phillips, who has become a club icon.
But should he fail to sign his new deal, speculation will only increase that an exit is on the cards.
Furthermore, Phillips’ future could be directly linked to Marcelo Bielsa’s at Elland Road. Were the Argentine to leave at the end of his contract, they state Phillips too could also opt to leave too.
Bielsa, meanwhile, is due to provide an update on Phillips in his press conference later on Thursday.
The midfielder was withdrawn in the 55th minute of Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Brentford. And reports have since suggested he faces a two-month lay-off with a hamstring issue.
Kalvin Phillips transfer to Man Utd seems impossible
As a staunch Leeds supporter himself, Phillips has been brought up to dislike all things Manchester United.
Speaking to GQ ahead of the 2020-21 season when Leeds returned to the Premier League, the 25-year-old admitted: “I want to be a player that’s got a lot of games to his name, but I want them to be games that mean something.
“And I want to play in the Europa League, the Champions League. But I want to do that, ideally with Leeds.
“With Leeds, and the way that we’re heading, there’s no reason why we shouldn’t.”
Furthermore, before Leeds’ clash with their roses rivals in April, Phillips revealed his family “hated” the Red Devils.
In addition to that, Phillips was asked ahead of their season opener what Manchester United mean to him. Phillips replied with a curt: “Nothing.”
READ MORE: Legendary figure makes ballsy Leeds claim amid worrying Kalvin Phillips update
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