Leeds United are considering a loan move for Manchester City midfielder and former cult hero Kalvin Phillips if they clinch a return to the Premier League, according to the Daily Mail.
The 28-year-old is currently on loan at West Ham United, where he has been disappointing, and the Hammers have no intentions of making his six-month deal permanent.
Phillips was on the bench 18 months after his initial move from Elland Road to City in 2022 and decided to head to London to secure his place in Gareth Southgate’s 2024 European Championship England squad.
However, the England international has been calamitous in the centre of the park for David Moyes’ side, committing one penalty and one error leading to goal.
In his defensive midfield position, where his job is to break up play, he has been bested in physical duels, winning just 41% in his seven appearances for West Ham.
Despite the alarming dip in form, Leeds seemingly believe he can be revived when he returns to the grounds he patrolled for eight years following his senior team debut.
Leeds will seek to take him on a season-long loan from City if they return to the top flight. The Cityzens want £30 million to offload him, but he will struggle to attract suitors with his current performances.
His £150,000-a-week salary could also prove a stumbling block for Leeds, who are currently third in the Championship and looking to climb back into the Premier League.
Leeds will believe they can clinch second place ahead of floundering Leicester City and maybe even claim top spot over Ipswich Town.
However, they will have to improve their form after failing to win three on the spin – the latest shambolic showing was a 1-0 home defeat against Blackburn Rovers.
Leeds must first seal promotion before jumping ahead with transfer plans for the Premier League.
