Liverpool asks Manchester City about Kalvin Phillips’ availability and receives an enticing transfer response, according to sources.
TEAMtalk understands that Liverpool have approached Manchester City about Kalvin Phillips and discovered that their Premier League rivals are open to him departing this summer.
Phillips has struggled to make an impact since joining Man City from Leeds United last summer. Even with Ilkay Gundogan’s free transfer to Barcelona this summer, he is no closer to breaking into the first team.
After all, Man City have replaced Gundogan by signing Mateo Kovacic from Chelsea. Besides, Phillips is more accustomed to playing in a defensive midfield role, where Rodri remains a major obstacle to his chances of getting gametime.
Man City gave Phillips a contract until 2028 when they bought him from Leeds. However, his future could be up for question after just two Premier League starts in his debut season with his new club.
Liverpool have been rebuilding their midfield this summer after the exits of various players, including Fabinho, Jordan Henderson and James Milner.
They have reinvested in Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai, as well as Wataru Endo, who as things stand is their most natural option in the holding role that Fabinho has vacated.
Endo is already 30 years old, so is only an addition for the medium term. Phillips, in contrast, could still have some prime years ahead of him at the age of 27.
It might be important for him to play more regularly ahead of Euro 2024, with a view to keeping his place in the England squad. In theory, gametime might be easier for him to achieve at Liverpool than his current club.
Whether Liverpool follow up their enquiry with an offer to Man City, though, only time will tell.
