Marcelo Bielsa already explained how Kalvin Phillips Leeds United transfer would play out as Man City linked

The England international is one of several names linked with a move to the Etihad Stadium this summer.

Kalvin Phillips is among several players being linked with a move to Manchester City this summer.

Marcelo Bielsa believes Leeds United fans won’t be happy if Kalvin Phillips departs the club. Credit: Getty. placeholder image
Marcelo Bielsa believes Leeds United fans won’t be happy if Kalvin Phillips departs the club. Credit: Getty. | Getty Images

The Leeds United midfielder has been a key player for the Whites since breaking into their first team in 2014, making 233 appearances in all competitions.

According to BBC Sport, Pep Guardiola has made the 26-year-old his ‘number one target’ during the transfer window.

Phillips, who has been capped 23 times by England, would be an ideal replacement for the departing Fernandinho, with the latter leaving the Sky Blues on June when his contract expires.

Phillips has been a key player for Leeds since making his first team debut in 2014. Credit: Getty. placeholder image
Phillips has been a key player for Leeds since making his first team debut in 2014. Credit: Getty. | Getty Images

However, as exciting as the move would be for City and their fans, it would be a hard pill to swallow for the Leeds faithful if Phillips were to switch Yorkshire for Manchester.

This sentiment is shared by former Whites manager Marcelo Bielsa, who believes, when the midfielder finally departs Elland Road, it would ‘generate disappointment’ amongst Leeds fans.

“I’m sure the day he leaves Leeds will generate disappointment,” Bielsea said. “But I am sure the way he does it is going to solidify his link to the club, the people and the city.”

ManchesterWorld understands the Sky Blues are interested in bringing the 26-year-old to the Etihad this summer.

Fernandinho confirmed that he will leave Manchester City at the end of his contract. Credit: Getty.placeholder image
Fernandinho confirmed that he will leave Manchester City at the end of his contract. Credit: Getty. | AFP via Getty Images

However, City face competition from Paris Saint-Germain for Phillips during the window, as per the Yorkshire Evening Post.

The newspaper claims that the French club ‘put a call in to Leeds’ regarding the 26-year-old’s ‘availability and price’, but are yet to submit a bid for him.

They add a move for Phillips would cost Guardiola’s side ‘in the region of £50m’, with him having two years remaining on his contract at Elland Road.

If signed, Phillips wouldn’t be the first summer arrival so far for the Sky Blues, with the club completing a move for Erling Haaland from Borussia Dortmund for £51.1m.

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