Man United tipped to strike ‘hell of a good deal’ for Kalvin Phillips after £50m new – pundit
Man United signing Leeds United star Kalvin Phillips for £50million would be “a hell of a good deal”, according to Alex McLeish.
The former Scotland manager, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, admitted the eight-figure fee is “relatively” affordable considering other transfer figures.
As reported by the Athletic (28 April), Manchester United have started exploring the prospect of launching a potential £50million move for Phillips, 26, this summer.
The midfielder is contracted until 2024, having signed an extension back in 2019.
However, talks over a new deal have reportedly stalled until the summer after Marcelo Bielsa’s exit from Elland Road.
McLeish insisted despite an inflated price tag, the £50million could prove to be money very well spent for Man United.
McLeish told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “When you’re playing in an English League, the Premier League, then you’re valuation tends to be higher than say getting a guy from abroad.
“Unless it’s just Cristiano Ronaldo at his peak, Lionel Messi at his peak, they’re off the charts.
“But, yes, £50million seems, in my book, extremely high. But in the circumstances that we see ourselves in nowadays, then that’s relatively a hell of a good deal.”
A graduate of the youth ranks at Leeds United, Phillips has played 229 times across all competitions.
However, he has made just 18 appearances this season after suffering a serious hamstring injury in December.
The midfielder missed 14 league games, during which Leeds won just three times.
He made his first start since being sidelined in the 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace on Monday.
In other news, Leeds United handed dressing room boost after “what we’ve seen”.