Pundit Darren Bent has called Kalvin Phillip's impending move to Man City 'bonkers.' Leeds United have agreed to sell Phillips to the reigning Premier League champions for an initial fee of £42million but could rise to £45m. Talks advanced on Friday evening with the deal set to be concluded in the near future.
Media outlet The Athletic broke the news first, with Darko Gyabi, an 18-year-old midfielder at City, is expected to join United in a separate deal worth £5m. Discussing the deal on air, former Premier League striker and pundit Bent was shocked at the price, highlighting that the homegrown asset could kick on further under City boss Pep Guardiola and further secure his England starting line-up chances.
"Fantastic," Bent said on talkSPORT. "Being part of a very very arguably the best team around in Manchester City, top player I get it. They've always had two, Rodri has emerged into a top top holding midfield player, Fernandinho is leaving. So they need someone else there.
READ MORE: Leeds United transfer news live, as Phillips nears exit
"But I mean, that for Kalvin Phillips, certainly for his international aspirations. I mean, we know our key he was to England's - obviously success in the Euro's getting to the final. He starts playing in this Manchester City team, he could become one of the mainstays in his England team."
English players, especially those capped at international level, are usually sold for a lot of money, with many dubbing it the 'English Tax' and the fee for Phillips has seemingly fallen well below that. Bent added that the fee was 'bonkers' given rumours of Phillips leaving for double that a few months ago.
"For Kalvin Phillips, only £42m? It's bonkers. I'm pretty sure, weren't they kind of talking to when I've heard this rumour before a couple months back, I was hearing fees £75m, £80m, things that. But if they can get a player of that quality, £42m, wow. "
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