Man City could now land 'absolutely perfect' £50m star at the Etihad

Manchester City target Kalvin Phillips is ‘absolutely perfect’ for the Premier League champions and they will be ‘launching a bid soon’ as Pep Guardiola aims to lure him away from Leeds United, according to journalist Jacque Talbot.

City boss Guardiola has already succeeded in welcoming Erling Haaland to the Etihad Stadium from Borussia Dortmund since the transfer window reopened, but it appears he has quickly set his sights on strengthening his midfield options with Phillips.

According to The Athletic, there is an expectation that Phillips will look to force through a move to Manchester City if a big-money bid is tabled.

The report suggests Guardiola’s side believe an offer worth up to £50million would be enough to ensure the 23-cap England international will swap Leeds for the sky blue half of Manchester.

That would match the proposal put forward by Premier League rivals West Ham United during the January transfer window, but the east Londoners’ offer was rejected.

However, Manchester City could be boosted in their pursuit as, according to Football Insider, Phillips has told the Leeds hierarchy that he wants to complete a transfer to the Etihad Stadium.

A switch would end the 26-year-old’s lengthy stay with his boyhood club, where he has made 234 appearances and won the Championship title.

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Talbot believes Manchester City are set to test Leeds’ resolve by heading to the negotiating table.

The journalist expects the Yorkshire giants to accept the Premier League title winners’ proposal as Guardiola looks to bolster his squad.

When asked whether Phillips has a long-term future at Leeds, Talbot told GIVEMESPORT: “There’s been no talk of contracts yet