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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Daniel Orme

Man Utd urged to hijack Man City's transfer for Fernandinho replacement

David James has suggested that Leeds United's Kalvin Phillips would be a ‘great fit’ fo r Manchester United, despite rivals Man City seemingly being front-runners for his services.

The England midfielder has been linked with a move away from Elland Road this summer despite Jesse Marsch’s men having retained their place in the Premier League on the final day of the season. Manchester City are one of the clubs interested in making a move for his services.

Pep Guardiola's men could potentially do with midfield additions this window with club icon Fernandinho having announced his exit after nine years at the Etihad Stadium. Despite those links, James has suggested that Phillips could potentially be a better fit for the Sky Blues’ rivals instead.

Speaking with ggrecon, the former goalkeeper said: "With regards to Manchester United, it’s an interesting angle because the Manchester United this season wouldn’t have been a good move, given what Manchester United achieved this season - or lack of achievement shall I say. But with Ten Hag in charge, there’s going to be a different approach to the way Manchester United play.

"Looking at Manchester United’s midfield from this season, it definitely needed an improvement. Not that the players who were already there weren’t capable, but for one reason or another they’re not going to improve that performance from last season and Kalvin Phillips would be a great fit."

It remains to be seen where Phillips will choose to move - if anywhere - this summer. However, it would certainly be a controversial move to see him switch to Old Trafford considering the animosity between the two clubs.

Kalvin Phillips is being eyed by Man City ahead of the summer transfer window (Getty Images)

Would Kalvin Phillips be a good signing for Man Utd? Have your say in the comments below.

Meanwhile, the England international has indicated his happiness at life in Yorkshire. In an interview with BBC Radio Leeds, the midfielder said: "I've made what I want to do clear. I've made my intentions clear. I want to be at Leeds and I'll focus on that until my contract ends. I'm not really worried about it too much.

"It's always been something I've been confident about sorting whenever it needs sorting. There's always going to be noise when you're an England international and you're playing for one of the biggest teams in the country, and I think until the end of the season, I'll be happy at Leeds and always will be."

Phillips endured an injury-hit season last term as Leeds narrowly avoided relegation from the Premier League. He made just 18 league starts for the Whites but did manage to play every minute of the side’s final six matches. He has just over two years remaining on his current contract at Elland Road.

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