Aston Villa 'eyeing summer moves for Kyle Walker, Kalvin Phillips'

Aston Villa are reportedly lining up a double bid for Manchester City duo Kyle Walker and Kalvin Phillips during this summer's transfer window.

Phillips only joined the Citizens from Leeds United last summer, but the 27-year-old has struggled for action during the 2022-23 campaign, making just 15 appearances in all competitions.

All seven of the midfielder's Premier League appearances this season have come off the bench, with his only two starts for the club in 2022-23 coming in the EFL Cup and FA Cup.

Phillips missed a lot of matches earlier this season with a shoulder injury, but he has been available since last November and has still struggled to secure action.

According to Football Insider, Villa are keen to sign the England international in the upcoming market, while Walker is also wanted by Unai Emery's side in a double deal that could be worth £55m.

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Walker only has a contract with the Premier League champions until the summer of 2024, and there is currently speculation surrounding his future at the Etihad Stadium.

The 32-year-old has only made 26 appearances for the Citizens this season, with the defender no longer considered to be an automatic starter for the club.

Walker missed a number of matches in the first half of the campaign with a groin injury, but he has been restricted to just 15 starts in the Premier League in 2022-23.

The Englishman only played two minutes of Man City's two-legged affair with Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals of the Champions League, featuring as a late substitute in the second leg at Allianz Arena.

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Villa have been in excellent form since losing 4-2 to Arsenal in the league in the middle of February, winning seven of their last eight matches in England's top flight.

Emery's side have won each of their last five games in the Premier League, including a 3-0 success over Newcastle United last Saturday, with their form putting them in contention for an unlikely top-four finish.

Villa are currently sixth in the table, six points behind fourth-placed Newcastle, although the Magpies have a game in hand on the in-form team.

Emery is expected to be handed funds to improve his squad during this summer's transfer window, with the club looking to become regular challengers for European football.

Walker previously represented Villa on loan during the 2010-11 campaign, making 18 appearances, including 15 outings in the Premier League.