Manchester City eye Premier League midfielder as Fernandinho replacement

Premier League leaders Manchester City are plotting a sensational move for Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips, as per reports.

According to The Daily Mirror, Pep Guardiola has identified the England midfielder as a potential replacement for departing captain Fernandinho.

The Brazilian, 37, will end his nine-year stay in Manchester this summer and, while Rodri has started ahead of him for the majority of games, Guardiola is keen on recruiting a long-term replacement.

Phillips has been heavily linked with a move away from Elland Road in recent months, with Manchester United and West Ham United touted as the Englishman’s most likely destinations.

The Whites man has snubbed a move to Old Trafford, though, citing his allegiances to Leeds and the rivalry between the two clubs as the main reasons.

Phillips could be a Manchester City player next term

The 26-year-old looks certain to be available if Leeds get relegated at the end of the season, and City have already decided against trying to sign Phillips’ England midfield partner Declan Rice, who has a £100 million price tag attached to him.

City have already agreed to sign Erling Haaland for in excess of £65 million and, having spent £100 million on Jack Grealish last summer, the club aren’t prepared to fork out a similar fee on Rice.

Phillips, who was the subject of unsuccessful bids from both West Ham and Aston Villa in January, is believed to be reluctant to leave his hometown club.

The England international is aware, though, that he must do for the benefit of his career, especially if the Whites are relegated on Sunday.

The player would apparently find it impossible to turn down the chance to work under Guardiola and play in the Champions League, and he could earn a significant rise on his current £38,000-per-week wages.

Paris Saint-Germain have also been credited with an interest in Phillips, but it is believed that his preference is to remain in the Premier League.