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Kalvin Phillips has reportedly informed Manchester City he wants to end his nightmare spell at the Etihad on a permanent basis. The English midfielder spent the second half of last season on loan at West Ham United.
English journalist Pete O'Rourke (via Football Insider) reports that Phillips doesn't want another loan and wants to permanently settle at a new club. He flopped at West Ham with several disappointing performances that led to him being dropped.
Manchester City are prepared to sell Phillips for around £20 million. Aston Villa and Everton are interested in the former Leeds United midfielder, but the two Premier League clubs prefer a loan move.
Phillips, 28, joined City from Leeds in July 2022 for £43 million, having played his way into the England national team. He has endured a miserable time with the Cityzens, starting just six of 31 games across competitions and managing one goal.
Pep Guardiola gave an update on Phillips' future on Wednesday (July 24). The Manchester City boss said (via Sky Sports):
"We'll see (what happens with Phillips). He's training really well, he made a really good first half against Celtic. He came from an injury, that's why we didn't want to give him more minutes. But we'll see, he knows the situation."
Phillips has four years left on his contract at the Etihad but looks increasingly likely to depart. He was one of English football's top stars at Leeds but has nosedived at the Eithad.
"Never any chance" - Manchester City's Kalvin Phillips explains snubbing Manchester United
Phillips was highly sought after when he left Leeds for Manchester City two years ago. Manchester United were reportedly interested in signing the 31-cap England international but failed to bring him to Old Trafford.
The former Peacocks star opened up on links to United and why that transfer would never happen. He said last year (via GOAL):
"Going to United? There was never any chance of me going there. You know my loyalty to Leeds. My family are all Leeds fans. I was honored by Man Utd wanting me, one of the biggest teams in the world, but no, I had to stay loyal to Leeds and go to the other side of Manchester."
Phillips may have been handed more game time at United as Erik ten Hag's midfield has been overhauled several times. His attachment to Elland Road came to fruition when he spent 10 years in the youth academy and on the senior team.
