While many at Leeds are still hopeful about Kalvin Phillips signing a new contract to remain at Elland Road in the long term, there is the real prospect that he could leave to join Premier League champions, Manchester City. Pep Guardiola is said to see the England midfielder as the perfect replacement for the departing Fernandinho and Leeds legend Johnny Giles has stated that he could see Phillips improving, should he move to the Etihad stadium.
Giles, who starred in Leeds' midfield alongside Billy Bremner in the club's most successful period, under legendary manager Don Revie, told Off the Ball that he would 'expect more' from the Leeds academy product, were he in the Manchester City side. The Irishman said that 'fantastic players' around Phillips would improve the midfielder.
The Leeds legend was asked whether he saw Phillips fitting into Guardiola's side and he replied: "Yes, I think so because they talk about him being the defensive midfielder, but I think he could do more, but I don't think he's being asked to do it."
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"I think his distribution is very good. When I see him hitting the long pass, he's well able to do it with both feet, but I get the impression that he is only the defensive player at Leeds and there isn't much more expected of him. Whereas maybe if he does go to City, I expect more of him. If I was his manager, I'd say to him you have the ability, but you have to be more creative, you've got to dominate more. I'd expect him to be more creative.
"He has the ability to do it. He'll be around fantastic players."
Many reports indicate that a deal for Phillips to move to City was most likely had Leeds been relegated. As they survived in the Premier League, he is expected to remain at Elland Road, with Leeds' negotiating hand significantly strengthened.
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