According to French media Sports Zone, Leeds United have made contact with the representatives of Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips (28) regarding a return to the club.
Having come through the ranks at Leeds, Phillips shone during the Marcelo Bielsa era, which not only allowed him to break into the England squad but also facilitated a big-money move to Manchester City.
However, behind Rodri in the pecking order, first-team opportunities have been extremely limited. Since making the €49m move in the summer of 2022, he has made just 31 appearances.
In an attempt to secure his place in the England squad ahead of Euro 2024, Phillips had made a loan move to West Ham, however, it is a move that has yet to reignite his career. With prospects at Manchester City limited, the question of his future is a pertinent one.
Sports Zone report that Leeds United, who are pushing for an immediate return to the Premier League, have made an inquiry to Phillips’ representatives. Two other unnamed English sides are also attentive to the midfielder’s situation.
West Ham does not have the option to sign Phillips permanently as part of the loan agreement, but as things stand, it’s unlikely that they’d want to anyway.
Amid his poor form, Leeds have reportedly registered an interest in re-signing Phillips, who remains a well-thought-of figure among the Whites’ fanbase.
Their hopes of bringing him back to Elland Road will be dependent on them securing promotion back into the Premier League, however.
Daniel Farke’s side currently sit in third place in the Championship table – just one point behind second-placed Ipswich Town and two behind league leaders Leicester.
According to Football Insider, Man City are open to selling Phillips for a fee between £30m and £40m this summer.
Leeds have reportedly been ‘made aware of Man City’s demands’ as they look to bring the 28-year-old back to Elland Road. It’s also claimed that West Ham has no intention of signing Phillips permanently.
The London side ‘were once interested in such a move, given how much he is admired by David Moyes, but have since changed their mind given his struggles in claret and blue.’
Phillips is ‘expected to return to Man City ahead of next season’ but they have made it clear that their intention is to sell him and will look to ‘recoup as much money as possible.’
They are clearly willing to make a loss on Phillips and will accept a bid of less than what they paid for him in 2022.
The big obstacle for Leeds in their pursuit of Phillips is the midfielder’s wages, however. He currently earns an eye-watering £150,000 per week with Man City, which would be far beyond the Whites’ financial capabilities.
He still has a ‘strong affinity’ with Leeds, but whether or not he’d be willing to significantly lower his salary to re-sign for them remains to be seen.
This potential transfer saga promises to be an intriguing one to watch unfold, with Leeds United fans eager to see if their club can pull off the return of one of their former fan favorites.