Manchester United identify Manchester City midfielder as top summer transfer target

Manchester City could be subject to transfer interest from their bitter rivals United during the 2024 summer transfer window, according to a recent report.

That concerns central midfield option Kalvin Phillips, who continues to struggle for game time under Pep Guardiola having joined the club from Leeds United during the 2022 summer transfer window alongside the likes of Erling Haaland and Julian Alvarez.

While the aforementioned striking duo have asserted themselves as firm favourites of both the fans, teammates, and most importantly the manager, the same cannot be said for Phillips when it comes to the views of Pep Guardiola.

Speaking during a recent interview, Guardiola was forced to issue a public apology to Kalvin Phillips over a lack of opportunities since joining Manchester City over a year ago, and potentially a lack of opportunities to come.

“I don’t know what will happen to Kalvin Phillips,” Pep Guardiola told the media during a press conference. “He has good character, I’m so sorry I have not picked him. I visualise my team and select a team.”

However, Kalvin Phillips struggles may be about to come to an end, with an unlikely potential suitor emerging in recent media reports over a possible interest in Rodri’s back-up in the City side next summer.

That is according to the information of SunSport, who claim that the Manchester City and England international is at the top of Manchester United’s summer shopping list ahead of the 2024 edition of the market.

The newspaper quotes a source who reveals that Old Trafford boss Erik ten Hag is a ‘fan’ of the former Leeds United midfielder, and believes he is ‘perfectly suited’ to the philosophy being instilled at the home of the Red Devils.

“United are watching the situation with Phillips very carefully,” the Sun quote their source as saying. “He is likely to go out on loan in January, but he will then be looking for a permanent switch in the summer, and Ten Hag wants to be right at the front of the queue.”

SunSport’s source continues, “He is a fan of the way Phillips plays, and thinks his style is perfectly suited to United and to the philosophy he is trying to instil in the group.

“Plus, the new investors want the club to focus on investing in and developing English players, and Phillips still remains one of the best English players in the Premier League. It wouldn’t be the first time a player has moved from City to United, but it’s always controversial.”

It is further detailed by the source that Pep Guardiola would not stand in Kalvin Phillips’ way, should he decide to move elsewhere, and the Manchester City manager is keen to resolve the ongoing situation as soon as possible.

“There’s a feeling that Guardiola wouldn’t stand in Phillips’ way. The move to City simply hasn’t worked out and Guardiola is keen for the situation to be resolved as fast as it can be.  Midfield is an area that United still need to improve on.

“Sofyan Amrabat has done OK since coming in on loan but he’s not seen as a long-term United player. Phillips would slot in that role if United can bring him in. There’s also a question mark over Casemiro.

“He’s tied to a long term deal, but if an offer came in for him United might be willing to listen because Casemiro is on massive wages.”

Kalvin Phillips is unlikely to see any game time in highly competitive fixtures and Premier League matches for Manchester City in the coming months, but could be granted an opportunity in the UEFA Champions League this week.

City travel to Belgrade to face Crvena zvezda in Serbia with top spot in their Champions League group now secured, meaning the game has next to nothing riding on it other than personal pride.