- Aadam Haladh
Reports: Kalvin Phillips tops Fernandinho replacement list for Manchester City
It has been reported by Jack Gaughan of the Daily Mail that Manchester City have Leeds United midfielder, Kalvin Phillips, as their preferred man to replace Fernandinho – who is set to see out the remainder of his career in Brazil.
After nine years at the Etihad, the Brazilian international said his farewells to the Citizens on Monday at the club’s Premier League trophy parade.
Fernandinho’s quality, professionalism and versatility has seen him win 12 trophies in his time at the club – the joint most decorated player in City history alongside Sergio Aguero.
Although Phillips has been linked with a switch from Elland Road, the 26-year-old could be seen as a backup option to Pep Guardiola’s trusted first choice defensive midfielder, Rodri.
As stated by the credible Daily Mail football reporter Gaughan, Phillips has been identified as possessing the perfect profile for the squad, with City expected to pursue him in the coming weeks.
Under previous Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa, Phillips was deployed as a lone defensive midfielder, so the Englishman knows what it takes to hold the fort down in the centre of the park.
It had been reported elsewhere previously that relegation for the Yorkshire club would have seen Phillips on the market for a cut-price in the region of £30m – however, with Jesse Marsch’s side’s dramatic survival on the final day of the Premier League, the fee for Phillips is expected to be north of that number.
City have already beefed up their attacking options for the upcoming season, with Erling Haaland and Julian Alvarez joining up with the squad ahead of pre-season.
Gabriel Jesus and Raheem Sterling have been linked with a move away from the club, with north London rivals Tottenham and Arsenal both interested in acquiring their services.
Written by: @AadamHaladh
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