Ten Hag identifies Man City star as 'priority signing' for 2024
Cameron Smith
- 10 Dec 2023 02:33 CST
- 3 min read
Manchester United have reportedly identified Kalvin Phillips as a key transfer target for next summer as they look to bolster the midfield options at the club.
Phillips, 28, has barely featured since his €49 million move to Manchester City in 2022 and he is expected to leave the club next year.
Liverpool have been heavily linked with a move for the former Leeds United star over the past few months, while FootballTransfers exclusively reported Tottenham Hotspur’s interest in October.
Now, The Sun have revealed that Man Utd are keeping a close eye on Phillips’ situation at the Etihad Stadium and Erik ten Hag has reportedly identified the England international as a “perfect fit” for the Red Devils.
According to The Sun, Phillips is likely to leave City on loan in January - potentially to improve his match sharpness ahead of the European Championship - before seeking a permanent exit in the summer.
As per the report, Ten Hag wants Man Utd to be at the front of the queue if Phillips becomes available to buy in July.
Man Utd signed Mason Mount from Chelsea during the summer transfer window, but the Englishman hasn’t hit the ground running at Old Trafford amid several injury problems.
Furthermore, Sofyan Amrabat joined the club on loan from Fiorentina, but his performances haven’t been at the level expected and there is reportedly a feeling that he may not be signed permanently in 2024.
As a result, a push to sign Man City outcast Phillips makes sense as Ten Hag looks to sign a new defensive midfielder following Casemiro’s issues this campaign.
Phillips to leave Man City?
It’s understood that Pep Guardiola wouldn’t stand in Phillips’ way if the ex-Leeds midfielder pushes to leave Man City next year.
Recently, the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss admitted to the press: “I don’t know what will happen to Kalvin Phillips. He has good character, I’m so sorry I have not picked him. I visualise my team and select a team and I struggle to see him.”
Phillips’ current Man City contract runs until 2028, but considering he has made just 29 appearances (five starts) since joining the club last year, an exit seems inevitable within the next 12 months.
