City lining up a move for Phillips

MANCHESTER CITY are set to build on the stunning capture of Erling Haaland with an audacious bid for Leeds and England midfielder Kalvin Phillips.

Having secured striker Haaland for just £51million, City are poised to strengthen further with a bid for £50m-rated Phillips.

The move for Phillips is a clear indication City intend to do their transfer business early this summer and steal a march on their rivals.

Manager Pep Guardiola has identified Phillips, below, as the ideal replacement for Brazil midfielder Fernandinho, who is leaving at the end of this season after nine years at the club.

With Ilkay Gundogan also potentially on his way this summer, Guardiola is looking to possibly recruit two midfielders – with Phillips now a viable target.

City have sent scouts to watch him several times this season, with the 26-year-old certain to be available if Leeds are relegated on Sunday.

AstonVilla andWest Ham both had bids rejected in January’s transfer window but remain keen to land Phillips should he decide to quit his hometown club.

Manchester United have also been keeping close tabs on Phillips, but he has made it clear to those close to him there is no way he could join United, given the bitter rivalry between them and Leeds.

Phillips is understood to be reluctant to leave Elland Road, but knows he will have little choice – for the good of his career – should Leeds go down. He would more than triple his £38,000-a-week wages elsewhere.

Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain have also enquired, but it is understood his preference is to remain in the Premier League.