Former England goalkeeper David James believes Aston Villa would be a better move than Manchester United for Kalvin Phillips if he decides to leave Leeds United this summer. Villa are long-term admirers of Phillips and have reportedly been monitoring him since they were promoted to the Premier League back in 2019.
Steven Gerrard’s side are again likely to be busy in the upcoming transfer window this summer and have shown in the last two years that they are not afraid to splash the cash. Manchester United, meanwhile, are set to go in strongly for a new holding midfielder in the summer with Phillips among the names linked, although the 26-year-old’s interest in a move to Old Trafford is doubtful.
Leeds, however, will be keen to get Phillips tied to a new contract given his current deal set to expire in 2024, with some reports claiming he would like to extend his stay at Elland Road. Speaking to GGRecon, though, James thinks that if Phillips does become available for a move this summer, Villa would be a better move for him as he would be under the management of Gerrard – one of the best midfielders of all time.
READ MORE: Leeds United set for Southampton lifelines Marcelo Bielsa dreamt of before one of his darkest days
He said: “I do believe Aston Villa and Manchester United should compete for Kalvin Phillips’ signature if he becomes available this summer. He’s one of my favourite players and that’s not solely due to his footballing talent, but 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 United. But I also think playing under Steven Gerrard in that Aston Villa squad, and adding to that where Stevie wants to take them, I believe would be the right stepping stone for Kalvin Phillips."
