‘Kalvin Phillips is a Leeds United player’ – expert reacts to confirmed news
Kalvin Phillips is edging closer to a potential return to Leeds United after their promotion to the Premier League was confirmed on Monday.
That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that the 29-year-old is interested in a return to Elland Road.
Brown explained that the Man City midfielder feels “at home” at Leeds after coming through the academy there and would be given the support of the fans.
This comes after Football Insider exclusively revealed on 17 March that Phillips is pushing for a return to Leeds as he is widely expected to leave Man City for good.
Since his move away from Elland Road in 2022, he has started just six games under Pep Guardiola and endured two unsuccessful loans with West Ham and Ipswich.
However, Football Insider revealed last month that Leeds won’t find it easy to re-sign Phillips given City’s lofty asking price and the midfielder’s high wage demands.
Leeds United eyeing sensational Kalvin Phillips return
Football Insider revealed on 21 April that Phillips in interested in a reunion with Leeds and the Whites are keeping tabs on his situation ahead of the summer window.
Brown, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, insisted a move back to Elland Road would be the best move at this stage of the midfielder’s career.
“Leeds are going to look to bring him back,” he told Football Insider.
“Now that they’ve been promoted, there’s every possibility that one happens.
“He’s a local boy coming home, so there’s all the fanfare and anticipation around the move.
“Since he left Leeds, he’s gone downhill very quickly.
“He dropped out of the England squad, went to West Ham and didn’t do well there at all, now he’s at Ipswich and not pulling up any trees.
“To me, he’s a Leeds United player, he suits the club and he’s comfortable playing there, the fans love him and he feels at home there.
“That’s why he’s struggled since the move away, so a return would make a lot of sense.
“We’ve seen similar before with Wilfried Zaha at Crystal Palace, some players suit certain clubs, they get the backing from the fans and it allows them to perform beyond their usual standard.
“I think it’s a similar case for Phillips, and he’ll be looking to make that move.”
Daniel Farke making ambitious transfer plans at Elland Road
Following their promotion to the Premier League, Leeds are aiming to be ambitious in the transfer market to give themselves every chance of survival.
Brown told Football Insider on 15 April that Leeds are eyeing six new signings to back Farke with Premier League-level talent in the off-season.
This comes after Ipswich, Leicester and Southampton are all set to come straight back down following difficult seasons, and Leeds are determined not to suffer the same fate.
Among the players being eyed are a new goalkeeper and new striker amid concerns about Illan Meslier as well as Joel Piroe and Patrick Bamford.
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