Pundit urges Man Utd to sign Man City-linked Premier League midfielder who would be a ‘great fit’

Former England goalkeeper David James believes Man Utd should hijack Man City’s transfer for Leeds midfielder Kalvin Phillips.

Phillips has been linked with a move to Old Trafford for a while having shone for Leeds and England in recent seasons.

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With club captain Fernandinho leaving Man City at the end of the season, Pep Guardiola is now looking for the Brazilian’s replacement.

The Whites’ midfielder has been named as a potential incoming transfer this summer. The Premier League champions’ chances would have been boosted if Leeds were relegated, but Jesse Marsch’s side avoided the drop.

While a Man Utd transfer has been rumoured, there are doubts whether Phillips would move to the Red Devils given their rivalry with his current team and boyhood club.

Speaking to ggrecon, ex-Premier League goalkeeper David James has backed Man Utd to make a move for the 26-year-old.

He said (quotes via the Mirror): “With regards to Manchester United, it’s an interesting angle because the Manchester United this season wouldn’t have been a good move, given what Manchester United achieved this season – or lack of achievement shall I say. But with Ten Hag in charge, there’s going to be a different approach to the way Manchester United play.

“Looking at Manchester United’s midfield from this season, it definitely needed an improvement. Not that the players who were already there weren’t capable, but for one reason or another they’re not going to improve that performance from last season and Kalvin Phillips would be a great fit.”

Meanwhile, Man Utd legend Rio Ferdinand has previously said that Phillips would be a “brave man” to swap Elland Road for Old Trafford.

He said: “Kalvin Phillips, don’t go to Man United. This is the difference between me and him – he’s a Leeds boy.

“He can’t set foot back in Leeds, his family have to move out, if he goes to Man United. Trust me.

“Kalvin is a top player, he ain’t going to Man United. If Kalvin Phillips goes to Man United, boy, he’s a brave man.”