Leeds United will be sick at the sight of Manchester City after the past few years. The whole Kalvin Phillips saga has still not gone down well with the fans.
Imagine grooming a player that developed to become one of the best midfielders in England, and losing him at his best. Phillips was unplayable at Leeds, and was a fan favourite. Obviously the club could not refuse a big money offer, but the aftermath is frustrating. Phillips has not been the same since the move, with City not even putting in effort to play him.
The midfielder has spent this season on loan at Ipswich Town, who got relegated. With Leeds back in the Premier League now, there is a bit of hope. Kalvin Phillips is reportedly open to a return to Elland Road.
QUIZ: Can you name the Leeds game these 10 goal celebrations are from?
Leeds United handed advantage in race for Manchester City star
Credit: Imago Images
This summer could see Leeds sign a Manchester City player. James McAtee has been linked with a move to the Whites since last year. There was talk of a deal in the summer, but Pep Guardiola chose to keep the midfielder at the Etihad.
Now it looks like McAtee could be out of the door alongside a host of players. Guardiola said after City’s last home game of the season that some players will be sold:
“I said to the club I don’t want that [a bigger squad]. I don’t want to leave five or six players in the freezer. I don’t want that.”
This move is to make his squad smaller for next season.
”…As a manager I cannot train 24 players and every time I select I have to have four, five, six stay in Manchester at home because they cannot play. This is not going to happen. I said to the club I don’t want that.”
McAtee will be available for sale
Looking at the minutes played by City players this season, McAtee is most likely among those that could leave. And he will have a lot of interest. Reports claim clubs from England and across Europe are interested in signing the 23-year old.
Leeds will need a very convincing proposal to sway the England U21 international. He is really talented, and is a perfect fit for the number 10 role under Daniel Farke.
