Bayern Munich shortlist Manchester City and England treble-winner as surprise alternative transfer target

Kalvin Phillips has emerged as a potential transfer target for Bayern Munich, who are one of several clubs to hold an interest in West Ham captain Declan Rice.

Manchester City and Arsenal seemingly lead to the race to sign West Ham’s Declan Rice this summer, with the Gunners having had two bids rejected for the 24 year-old and set to imminently table a third offer for the Hammers star.

City also hold an interest in the England midfielder, with the Cityzens looking to replace captain Ilkay Gundogan, who has left the club after seven years for Barcelona.

Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich also remain interested in Rice, although the England international is widely claimed to favour move to a Premier League club.

As a result, Bayern Munich, who play Manchester City in a pre-season friendly next month, have reportedly drawn up a shortlist of alternative defensive midfielders, with the list including the Blues’ Kalvin Phillips.

The 27 year-old made just four starts for City last season, as injury and fitness problems hampered the Englishman’s debut campaign at the Etihad Stadium, following an initial £42 million move from Leeds United.

Phillips has been linked with a potential exit from City this summer, with numerous Premier League clubs; including West Ham, Aston Villa and Newcastle, all holding an interest in the 27 year-old.

Christian Falk reports that Phillips has emerged as a potential target for Bayern Munich, as the treble-winning midfielder features on the German’s list of alternatives to West Ham’s Rice.

Despite recently vowing to remain at the Etihad Stadium next season, Graeme Bailey claims that Manchester City are yet to decide whether Phillips will stay at the club for the 2023/24 campaign, with ‘uncertainty’ as to whether the 27 year-old is a ‘genuine fit’ for the squad.

England manager Gareth Southgate is further claimed to have warned the midfielder that he ‘cannot afford’ a repeat of this season if he is to be part of the Three Lions squad for the European Championships in Germany next summer.