Manchester United are likely to be rejected by target Kalvin Phillips as he will not want to cross the divide with arch-rivals Leeds United
Although Ralf Rangnick is only in charge until the end of the season, after which he will take on a consultancy position behind the scenes, the Red Devils are already looking at prospective signings for when the transfer market reopens in the summer.
Jesse Marsch was named Leeds’ new head coach on Monday, less than 24 hours after Marcelo Bielsa was fired, raising concerns over Phillips’ future.
Marsch has urged Phillips to take on a “larger role inside the squad,” although this comes only months after West Ham United made a £50 million bid for the 26-year-old.
Phillips has made the centre midfield position his his since rising through the ranks at Leeds, appearing in over 220 games for his childhood club.
Phillips, who won the Championship in 2020, has easily acclimated to the rigours of the Premier League and is approaching 50 appearances in the division.
The likes of Paul Pogba, Juan Mata, and Jesse Lingard are expected to leave Old Trafford when their contracts expire at the end of the season, so the 19-cap Phillips might assist to fill the vacuum in the centre of the field.
The report suggests United will face competition from arch-rivals Liverpool, but the Red Devils have made a £60million deal for the central midfielder a priority.
Phillips is highly expected not to follow in the footsteps of Eric Cantona and Alan Smith by joining Manchester United from Leeds. Due to his links to his present employers, the England man would be unable to join their arch-rivals.
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