Liverpool legend tells Reds to target Man City outcast

Tom Hancock

Updated: 3 May 2023 20:55 BST
3 min read

Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool, 2022/23 — © ProShots

Liverpool legend Steve McManaman has hinted that his old club should target out-of-favour Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips this summer.

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The Reds pulled out of the race to sign Jude Bellingham last month, leaving them looking elsewhere as they plan to overhaul their midfield for next season.

Inter Milan’s Nicolo Barella and Brighton’s Alexis Mac Allister are among the names who have been linked with a move to Anfield in the next transfer window – and now, McManaman has tentatively added Phillips to that list.

Before news broke on Wednesday that Bellingham is set to sign for Real Madrid, McManaman – who made 364 appearances for Liverpool before joining Real and later Man City – told Premier League Productions:

“You have to go down the list of people that you really, really like. 'Their stats are good. Their numbers are good and they play enough games. Are they the right quality to fit into this team? Are they in our budget to fit into this team?'

“You spoke about Kalvin Phillips, for instance. He can’t even play in the team [Man City]. He's maybe available. I am not saying he is the right player. What I am saying is that there are players out there, who due to misfortune or whatever, aren’t playing in the team. That doesn’t mean that they can’t then play for Liverpool’s team.”

© ProShots - Phillips remains an England regular despite his lack of club playing time

A bargain option?

Phillips – who has an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of o €28.8m – only made the switch from Leeds to Man City last summer, but the England international has barely featured for Pep Guardiola’s side.

The 27-year-old has made just seven Premier League appearances this season, seeing no more than 37 minutes of action in a single game.

Nonetheless, Phillips has kept his place in Gareth Southgate’s England squad, playing the entirety of March’s Euro 2024 qualifying win over Italy.