Leeds now eyeing "complete" £25m "Rolls-Royce", he's the perfect Phillips replacement - opinion

Leeds United appear to be preparing for life after Kalvin Phillips, if recent claims are to be believed…

According to transfer insider Dean Jones, the Yorkshire outfit are taking a look at Sheffield United midfielder Sander Berge as interest in the England international ramps up this week.

Writing for GIVEMESPORT, the Eurosport journalist said that the 24-year-old was one of the names on Victor Orta’s radar, though he’s thought to be valued at around £25m by the Championship side.

Meanwhile, as per Fabrizio Romano on Twitter, Premier League champions Manchester City are expected to push ahead with their plans to try and sign Phillips as a successor to Fernandinho.

If Pep Guardiola is able to secure the 26-year-old ahead of next season, then it leaves Whites boss Jesse Marsch with a huge gap to fill as he has been integral to the side defensively and with his passing ability.

Phillips was joint-second for tackles (2.7 per game), fourth for interceptions (1.2 per game) and third for long passes (3.5 per game) in 2021/22, as per WhoScored.

The Blades, meanwhile, were unable to secure a return to the Premier League but the Norweigen played a big role – not only adding six goals and four assists from midfield but he also averaged 1.1 tackles and 1.5 long balls per game.

During his time at Bramall Lane, Berge has emerged as quite the favourite, with former manager Chris Wilder singing his praises in November 2020 to VG.

He described the 6 foot 5 titan as the “complete midfielder,” adding: “He can play as an 8 and as 6. He can play in different formations.”

Journalist Conor McGilligan can also see his fit for Leeds, recently urging Victor Orta and co to sign him. He said: “[Berge] sorts out our midfield massively and is