Kalvin Phillips: Man City planning to snub Aston Villa offer – sources
Man City star Kalvin Phillips is keen to stay at the club past this summer despite strong interest from Aston Villa, sources have told Football Insider.
This site revealed last month (10 April) that the Midlands giants are preparing a club-record move for the 27-year-old in the off-season.
Aston Villa boss Unai Emery wants to add a top-class signing capable of running the midfield – and believes Phillips fits the bill.
However, the England international is keen to stay and fight for his place at the Etihad Stadium following a disappointing first season at the club.
Sources with knowledge of the midfielder’s situation at Man City have told Football Insider that “better things are expected” of Phillips in the 2023-24 campaign.
New signings at City often take time to bed into Pep Guardiola’s footballing philosophy – which has been emphasised by Jack Grealish’s upturn in form this season.
Phillips cost Man City a reported £45million when they signed him from Leeds last summer (2022).
He has made just 17 appearances totalling 405 minutes of action this season – and has struggled to surpass Rodri in Guardiola’s pecking order.
The 26-cap England international, who played for the Three Lions at the World Cup in Qatar, is under contract until June 2028.
Football Insider revealed on Tuesday (9 May) that Man City have made cash available for two big-money midfield signings in the summer window.
Meanwhile, Aston Villa could have European football to help lure their top summer targets to the club.
Emery’s side sit eighth in the table with three games remaining this term.
In other news, Barcelona star open to joining Aston Villa after new twist.