MANCHESTER CITY are reportedly set to step up their interest in Kalvin Phillips this month.
SunSport previously reported that the Premier League champs were set to contact Leeds over a move for the England midfielder after he returned from international duty.
And ‘direct talks’ between City and Leeds are set to take place in the near future, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Pep Guardiola has identified central midfield as a position he would like to strengthen before the start of the new campaign.
Romano went on to confirm a new midfielder will definitely be recruited before the end of the transfer window.
Fernandinho’s departure after nine-years at the club means City are looking to replace the veteran Brazilian this summer.
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Elland Road ace Phillips, 26, has emerged as the top target.
The player himself is claimed to have informed his boyhood club he wishes to leave to join the Prem champions.
It’s believed a £50million fee would be enough to get a deal over the line for the 23-cap Three Lions star.
Reports in recent days have suggested City want to seal a move for Phillips before they head out for their US tour in July.
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But the club are set to face competition for Phillips’ signature from French giants Paris Saint-Germain.
Elsewhere in midfield, City are planning to offer Rodri a contract extension by the end of the year.
The classy Spaniard has been instrumental for Guardiola since joining from Atletico Madrid in 2019.
Rodri’s current deal expires in 2024, but the 25-year-old is set to be rewarded for his excellent from with the offer of fresh terms.
Boss Guardiola is said to have already given the club the go-ahead to kick off discussions with Rodri later in the year.
