Manchester City are set to step up their interest in Kalvin Phillips in the coming days with an official bid now close to being submitted.
The Leeds United midfielder has earned himself a reputation of being a high energy defensive midfielder in recent years, helping his boyhood side finally escape the clutches of the Championship in 2020.
The 26-year-old has attracted the attentions of a number of clubs in recent months, with Aston Villa making an attempt to sign him back in January, while Manchester United have been linked with an interest and are said to have held talks.
However, the England international is said to have reservations about a move to Old Trafford given the bitter rivalry between Leeds and United, with Manchester City having now moved into pole position to land his signature.
The midfielder is currently on international duty with the Three Lions for their UEFA Nations League fixtures, having established himself as a regular within Gareth Southgate’s side in recent years, and according to the Mail, Manchester City will make an official approach for his services following the conclusion of those fixtures.
It is believed that Phillips is rated at around £60 million by the West Yorkshire club, with City eyeing the midfielder as the ideal long-term replacement for Fernandinho who is set to leave on a free this summer.
City have already wrapped up the signing of Erling Haaland this summer while they have been linked with adding a left-back to their ranks as they look to defend their Premier League crown.