Paul Merson believes Manchester United need Kalvin Phillips “more than any player” – but has urged the midfielder not to make the move to Old Trafford.
Phillips has already been identified as a target for the Reds this summer, with United working on a deal to sign him. The club have prioritised a defensive midfielder after deciding against signing one last year, and are eager to move swiftly in their pursuit.
Phillips is contracted to Leeds until 2024, although with Jesse Marsch’s side still in a battle against relegation heading into their final game of the season, they may have to cash in this summer. Phillips is also a boyhood Leeds fan, which could complicate matters.
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United have managed to convince other players to make the move from Elland Road in the past. Former Arsenal midfielder Merson believes Phillips could be forced into making a move in the summer, although he has warned him against joining United.
“If Leeds do end up going down, it'll be a hard summer for Kalvin Phillips,” Merson told Sky Sports. “There will be a big conversation with Gareth Southgate, if I'm honest.
“He will go to Gareth and ask, 'Do I need to be playing in the Premier League to make the World Cup squad?' and I think that will be a big part of it.
“I don't think Phillips is too good for Aston Villa, who have been linked with him recently. It's a massive football club and he would be playing under one of the greatest English footballers of our generation in Gerrard. So Villa would be an unbelievable move for him.
“He can't go to Manchester United because you play for Leeds, or you're a Leeds fan. That's an absolute no-go, even though Man United need him more than any player.
“Will Liverpool want him? I don't think so. Will Manchester City want him? I don't think so. Maybe Chelsea, I don't know. It's not as much as a problem as moving to Manchester United.”
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