Carlton Cole has argued that Kalvin Phillips will be reduced to a "back-up dancer" role at Manchester City. The two clubs are understood to have agreed a transfer in the region of £45million for the England international, with the move just dependent now on a successful medical and the Leeds-born, 26-year-old agreeing personal terms.
Seven-capped, ex-England forward Cole believes that Phillips will be playing second fiddle to Spanish international Rodri in the Premier League champions' starting line-up. Only Joao Cancelo played more outfield Premier League games than Rodri's 33 last term for Pep Guardiola's men.
His form has relegated Fernandinho - his main rival for City's midfield anchor role - to stand-in status during the last two seasons under Guardiola. The ex-Brazil captain was limited to just 10 league starts and, after playing the full 90 in August's 1-0 defeat at Tottenham, was only used for three minutes against Chelsea in September and never again trusted in the subsequent contests against fellow Champions League qualifiers Liverpool, Chelsea and Spurs.
