Kalvin Phillips is set to be a Manchester City player in time for the start of pre-season as the club close on their second major signing of the summer.
City have already completed a deal for Norwegian striking phenomenon Erling Haaland, beating strong competition from Real Madrid to sign the 21-year-old from Dortmund. And after agreeing a £45m fee with Leeds this week, City are expected to swiftly wrap up a move for England international Phillips.
With January signing Julian Alvarez also joining the first team squad, Pep Guardiola can welcome at least three new faces when the players report back for pre-season in early July. Brighton left-back Marc Cucurella also remains a target, as is goalkeeper Stefan Ortega on a free transfer.
Also read: Bernardo Silva can show Kalvin Phillips how to succeed at City
The arrival of Phillips confirms City’s pull in the transfer market - neighbours United were one of the clubs that also wanted the midfielder - and also increases the number of English players on the squad. Guardiola has signed John Stones, Kyle Walker and Jack Grealish during his six years at the Etihad, while also inheriting Raheem Sterling and Phil Foden.
Sterling’s future remains uncertain with just one year remaining on his current deal; the 27-year-old will decide in the next fortnight whether he wants to sign a new deal or seek a new challenge. By then, Gabriel Jesus is expected to have moved on as Arsenal are ready to buy the Brazilian forward from City in what will be one of the biggest ever player sales for the Blues.
City can expect to receive £5m from Leeds for young midfielder Darko Gyabi this summer. The Yorkshire club have identified Gyabi as a future talent and are willing to buy him permanently now, although there are expected to be a number of clauses inserted into the deal as is standard practice with City.
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