Robbie Savage has questioned whether Kalvin Phillips would get regular football at Manchester City as a move to the Etihad looks increasingly likely. Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live Sport, the ex-Derby County and Leicester City midfielder added that he doesn’t think the Whites man will make a significant impact in their hunt for the Champions League.
Phillips has been the subject of intensifying interest from the Premier League champions, who look set to make an official approach in the coming days once the midfielder has changed agents. Pep Guardiola sees the 26-year-old as a successor to the departing Fernandinho and is keen to add to the English core which includes Kyle Walker, Jack Grealish and Phil Foden.
Those in charge at Elland Road are said to be becoming increasingly resigned to losing their midfield lynchpin, but hope to hold out for a fee of around £50million with the player contracted until 2024. Furthermore, City may be inclined to include teenage duo James McAtee and Romeo Lavia as leverage in any deal, with Leeds interested in the promising pair.
READ MORE: PSG 'make formal approach' for Leeds United ace Kalvin Phillips
But Savage has questioned how much playing time Phillips will get at the Etihad - citing England teammate Jack Grealish as an example - and added that he doesn’t believe the midfielder would be a difference-maker as the club look for a first-ever Champions League trophy.
“Would Kalvin Phillips play regularly for Manchester City?” asked Savage. “I don’t think he would. Look at Jack Grealish. He was the most expensive (British) player at £100million. He does not play for Man City on a regular basis, so I am looking at Rodri in that position and Kevin de Bruyne. I get it (Fernandinho is leaving).
“Do I think Kalvin Phillips is good enough to take Manchester City to the Champions League? No, I don’t. Do I think he could go to Man City and play in and out of the side? Yes, I do.
“That Man City team have so much of the ball. He is fantastic at linking the defence to the midfield and getting into those little pockets on the half-turn and playing the ball forward, like Rodri does.
“Is he good enough to play in a title-winning side that wants to make it five out of six? Yes, 100%. Do I think Kalvin Phillips can make a difference like Haaland can and take Man City to the Champions League? No.”
Direct talks between Manchester City and Leeds are due to take place this month, with Guardiola confident of signing the midfielder. Paris Saint-Germain have made a late move - reportedly approaching Leeds about the possibility of a deal - which could force City to up their price.
Leeds, meanwhile, will have plans readied to replace their talisman. RB Leipzig’s Tyler Adams and RB Salzburg’s Mohamed Camara have been named, while Sheffield United’s Sander Berge has also been of interest.
