Liverpool now on pole for England ace as reasons for Man Utd snub emerge
Leeds United star Kalvin Phillips has reportedly decided against a move to Manchester United next summer to protect his family from negative fallout.
The 25-year-old has become an integral part of the Whites side, with 223 appearances in all competitions since his debut in April 2015. It took a while for the penny to drop at international level but the Leeds-born ace now has 19 caps. He has featured for the Three Lions 15 times this year.
And the midfielder was a standout player as Gareth Southgate’s side reached the final of Euro 2020 in the summer. Unsurprisingly, a few big clubs have been circling.
United have been tipped to make a swoop at the end of the current campaign. The Red Devils have an array of attacking talent in their ranks.
But they lack a top-class holding midfielder and Phillips fits the bill. A price of £60m has been suggested for the former Wortley youth star.
That may rise if other clubs enter the equation but it seems the Old Trafford giants will miss out. Phillips is concerned his family might be targeted due to the rivalry between the two clubs, according to the Daily Star.
His mother and some siblings still live in the west Yorkshire city. And he is worried they might be the target for abuse if he traversed the Pennines to the Theatre of Dreams.
Liverpool favourites for Phillips
A few stars became hate figures for Leeds fans after moving to United. Eric Cantona, Rio Ferdinand and Alan Smith were all targeted whenever they returned to play at Elland Road.
The report will be music to the ears of Liverpool. The Reds have also been linked with Phillips and looked set for a battle with their great rivals for his signature.
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But the way may now be clear for Jurgen Klopp to swoop and secure a big-money move for the schemer. Having taken his game to a new level for England alongside Declan Rice, Phillips has the world at his feet.
However, it seems he is grounded enough to think of the possible ramifications of joining United. The lure of Old Trafford is hard to resist even if they have lost the aura they had under Sir Alex Ferguson.
The other option is to remain with Leeds, with talks said to be ongoing over a possible new contract.
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