Revealed: Jude Bellingham could be about to hand Aston Villa big transfer boost
Man City could sanction an exit for Aston Villa target Kalvin Phillips if they sign Borussia Dortmund superstar Jude Bellingham this summer, sources have told Football Insider.
It is believed that City are pushing hard to do a deal for Bellingham, 19 – and if they succeed, Phillips will need to be sold in order for the giants to meet Financial Fair Play regulations.
The 27-year-old former Leeds star is keen to stay and fight for his place in the Man City side despite a disappointing first season at the club.
But Pep Guardiola could continue his exclusion from the starting eleven, effectively forcing the England international out of the club ahead of the European Championships in 2024.
As revealed by Football Insider on Monday (10 April), Aston Villa have a strong interest in Phillips ahead of the summer window – and could do a club-record deal for the midfielder.
It is believed City want to recoup the £45million paid for his services in 2022, while Villa’s current record outlay is the reported £38million deal for Emiliano Buendia.
Sources with knowledge of the situation have revealed that City would rather sell Phillips to Aston Villa than direct title rivals such as Liverpool.
Phillips has made just two starts for Pep Guardiola’s side since joining the club.
He has been limited to a total of 353 minutes of action across all competitions – and missed months of action earlier this season with a shoulder injury which required surgery.
Man City are just one of the elite sides chasing Jude Bellingham – with Liverpool, Man United, Chelsea and Real Madrid also among those credited with an interest in the 19-year-old.
Aston Villa could have European football as a selling point to transfer targets in the summer window.
Unai Emery’s side are up to sixth in the table after winning six of their last seven league games.
In other news, Aston Villa plotting to sign two A-list stars in “huge” spree.