Man City could wreck £60m Aston Villa transfer plans with Declan Rice alternative

Manchester City have reportedly joined a growing list of suitors for Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips.

The England international could leave his boyhood club this summer amid transfer interest from a number of Premier League clubs including Manchester United, Newcastle and Aston Villa. Reports claim that Phillips could cost up to £60million, but if Leeds are relegated from the top-flight this season that price will be slashed.

Phillips has now reportedly been identified by Pep Guardiola as a suitable replacement for Brazilian Fernandinho, who is set to depart after nine years in Manchester. The Mirror claim City have 'emerged as contenders' to sign the midfielder this summer.

Premier League title favourites City are looking to replace both Fernandinho and German star Ilkay Gundogan this summer with Guardiola set to make big changes to his midfield before the start of the new campaign. The report adds that City have 'ruled out' a move for West Ham's £100m-rated Declan Rice, which could come as a blow for Villa in their pursuit for a holding midfielder.

Phillips is reportedly a top target for Gerrard this summer as Steven Gerrard targets midfield reinforcements after the conclusion of a turbulent campaign for the club. The likes of Boubacar Kamara, Yves Bissouma, Ibrahima Sangare and Geoffrey Kondogbia have all also been linked with moves to Villa Park.

Back to Phillips and the Leeds star is unlikely to move to Old Trafford this summer due to the rivalry between his boyhood team and United. He is reluctant to leave the club he supported growing up, but knows he will have little choice should Jesse Marsch's side avoid the drop this weekend.