Kalvin Phillips has emerged as Manchester City’s ‘top target’ to replace Fernandinho with the club considering an approach for the Leeds midfielder.
Fernandinho is set to return to Brazil on a free transfer this summer after nine years at the Etihad, with the club captain having said his farewells at the Premier League champion’s title parade on Monday.
The 37-year-old’s exit has made the signing of a midfielder a priority for Pep Guardiola this summer and the Mail are reporting that Phillips is viewed as the ‘perfect profile’ of player to add to the squad.
The England international has shone since Leeds’ return to the Premier League and was named as the Three Lions’ Player of the Year in 2021 after his role in the nation’s run to the final of the European Championship.
Phillips – who has also been linked with Manchester United and Tottenham – could offer an alternative to Rodri in a holding role at City, or in a more advanced position in Guardiola’s midfield three.
Leeds are expected to demand a significant sum for the academy product however, after the club secured Premier League survival on the final day of the season.
