England star Kalvin Phillips has been urged to consider a move to Manchester United amid reports Aston Villa are lining up a £60million swoop for him this summer. Speculation over his Leeds future has spiralled as Steven Gerrard strives to bolster his midfield options for next season.
Phillips has been mooted as a possible alternative for United to Declan Rice. The Manchester Evening News understands United will prioritise central midfield recruits this upcoming window and Rice is still viewed as their number one target.
That's despite concerns West Ham might dig their heels in over a valuation. Other uncertainties have also arisen, as United face a battle to qualify for the Champions League.
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United are, meanwhile, braced to lose Paul Pogba on a free transfer for the second time. Phillips might be available for potential suitors heading into next season - and the England player has been urged to think carefully about the options he has on the table.
Speaking to GGRecon, former Premier League goalkeeper David James said: "He's one of my favourite players and that's not solely due to his footballing talent. He's a wonderful human being, too.
"The lure would naturally be Manchester United because of the size of the club, but this is Kalvin Phillips who plays for Leeds. But I also think playing under Steven Gerrard in that Aston Villa squad - and adding to that where Steven wants to take them - I believe would be the right stepping stone for Kalvin.
"I don't want to insinuate that Aston Villa are a stepping stone, but Gerrard will realistically want to manage a team that's eventually competing for major honours, whether that's Liverpool or another club."
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