Sources: Kalvin Phillips poised for Manchester City stay next season following club stance on Declan Rice deal

Manchester City expect Kalvin Phillips to stay at the club next season and fight for his place under Pep Guardiola, City Xtra understand.

The 27-year-old endured an underwhelming debut campaign at the Etihad Stadium after joining Manchester City from Leeds United in a £45 million deal last summer, clocking less than 600 minutes of first-team football in 21 appearances across all competitions.

Phillips was brought in by Guardiola following Fernandinho’s departure, but reocurring injuries limited the England international’s game time, raising doubts over his future less than 12 months on from his arrival in Manchester.

West Ham United are understood to be amongst various top-flight clubs in England who have enquired about signing Kalvin Phillips ahead of the new season, whilst there were even indications that attempts would be made to include the midfielder as part of a package deal to bring Declan Rice to the Etihad.

However, City Xtra understand that the treble winners did not raise the possibility of including Kalvin Phillips in their pursuit of Declan Rice, and expect him to stay at the club into the new season to fight for a spot under Pep Guardiola.

Speaking to BBC 5 Live Sport this week, Kalvin Phillips said on his club situation, “I’m not expecting to be in the team or start. But if I don’t, I’m going to push to get involved more.

“I’d love to play more, be involved more and win, but I know how difficult it is and I hope this season is a lot better for me.”

Manchester City have already added Mateo Kovacic to their midfield ranks, after Ilkay Gundogan joined Barcelona on a free transfer following the expiry of his contract, and despite the club’s best attempts to renew a deal.

Manchester City are expected to begin their preparations for next season in the coming days, with Kalvin Phillips ready to start fresh and help Pep Guardiola and his squad towards lifting a sixth Premier League title.

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