Leeds United are reportedly preparing for life without Kalvin Phillips.
The midfielder has been tipped to move to Old Trafford this summer. United are on the hunt for central midfielders with Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic set to leave at the end of the season.
Leeds will not want to lose Phillips but may have to bow to the player’s wishes, despite being contracted at Elland Road until 2024. The Whites are thought to be mitigating the potential blow by lining up a replacement.
READ MORE: Ralf Rangnick responds after Paul Pogba jeered by Manchester United fans vs Norwich
The Daily Mail reports that the club have expressed an interest in Hoffenheim defensive midfielder Florian Grillitsch. The 26-year-old’s deal at the German club expires this summer with Arsenal and Newcastle also interested in signing him.
The news that Leeds are in the hunt for a Phillips-like player may indicate that the England international could be leaving Yorkshire in the next transfer window. Phillips was supposedly in talks with Leeds over a new deal before negotiations stalled.
Meanwhile, Newcastle have joined the race for United target Darwin Nunez, according to Footmercato. The Benfica attacker has netted 32 times this season and has made his desire to move to a European giant clear.
The 22-year-old is even changing agents in order to facilitate such a transfer. United will have to fend off the likes of Liverpool, Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona if they are to land the youngster. Newcastle have reportedly already offered £49m for Nunez but Benfica are hoping to hold out for at least £60m.
Sign up to our United newsletter so you never miss an update from Old Trafford this season.
