Leeds United are reportedly hopeful of fending off interest from Manchester City for star midfielder Kalvin Phillips this summer.
The Citizens are believed to be on the lookout to find a replacement for Fernandinho, and one report claims that they have identified Phillips as their primary midfield target ahead of the 2022-23 campaign.
Phillips is allegedly open to leaving his boyhood club this summer even though they managed to avoid relegation from the Premier League.
However, The Sun claims that Leeds are optimistic of retaining the services of the 26-year-old and hope that he will commit his future to the club by signing a new contract.
The report adds, however, that there is still some distance between both parties over a new contract, with the England international's current deal set to expire in June 2024.
Manchester United have also been credited with an interest in Phillips, but the midfielder is understood to be reluctant to join one of Leeds' old rivals.
A host of other Premier League clubs including Arsenal, Aston Villa, Newcastle United and West Ham United are also monitoring the Yorkshireman, who has featured in 234 games for Leeds across all competitions since his debut in 2015.
Oliver Thomas
