Kalvin Phillips has already responded to Man Utd transfer question amid January links

Reported Manchester United target Kalvin Phillips has already issued his verdict on a move to Old Trafford previously. The holding midfielder is on the lookout for a new club this winter, likely a loan club, having been starved of regular football at Manchester City.

Phillips has not been able to win over Pep Guardiola, regularly occupying the bench while Rodri holds down the fort, usually with Rico Lewis or Mateo Kovacic. Guardiola himself has admitted that he has failed to get the best out of Phillips, claiming he 'doesn't see him' fitting into his system.

With Euro 2024 fast-approaching, Phillips is going to want to play regular football in the second half of the campaign, and City are unlikely to stand in his way if a fitting deal can be agreed. That deal is likely to come in the form of a loan agreement, with City destined to lose money from a permanent deal at this stage.

United have been linked with a move having reportedly shown interest in Phillips during his Leeds United days, but when asked about a possible move to Old Trafford back in 2021, the midfielder did not seem particularly keen on the idea.

"Going from Championship to Premier League to England Player of the Year, it was an eye-opener and made me realise, 'I can do this'," Phillips told the Mail back then. "Everything came together, the hard work taking me where I wanted to be. If I carry on doing that, who knows where I’ll end up. I just want to focus on getting back fit. But I speak to the owner regularly. I want a new contract. I’m very happy here."

The midfielder joined City on a £50million deal a year later, and while it hasn't been a successful move, his time at the Etihad Stadium only makes it less likely he will link up with United in the near term.