Manchester United told which three holding midfielders they should target in transfer window

Former Manchester United centre-back John O'Shea believes Leeds United midfield enforcer Kalvin Phillips should consider a move to Old Trafford this summer amid Manchester City's interest in the player, but also talked up the prospect of United signing N'Golo Kante or Declan Rice as well.

After flourishing in his first two seasons as a Premier League player, following Leeds' return to the top-flight in 2020, Phillips is the subject of interest from a handful of big-name clubs this summer. He has gone from strength to strength in the last two years, establishing himself as one of the most highly rated defensive midfielders in the league.

He has also made huge strides on the international stage and played a key role in helping England reach the final of the European Championship last summer.

City, who have already completed the signings of Julian Alvarez and Erling Haaland this summer, are big admirers of Phillips, with Pep Guardiola targeted him as an ideal replacement for Fernandinho.

However, United have also signalled their interest in the Leeds midfield ace. As reported by the Manchester Evening News in April, United have identified him as a player of interest, but City's entrance in the race has made their challenge of landing him a whole lot harder.

Nevertheless, former United man O'Shea insists that the 26-year-old should mull over the prospect of joining Erik ten Hag at United.

"Despite links to Man City, Kalvin Phillips should think about the other side of Manchester," O'Shea told Paddy Power. "He has done well for England and really well for Leeds. I know it would create more controversy if he headed for the red side of Manchester but it's definitely an area that United would be looking at."

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