Manchester United urged to complete ideal Kalvin Phillips transfer

Manchester United have been urged to sign England midfielder Kalvin Phillips during the summer transfer window amid emerging interest from Manchester City.

Before manager Erik ten Hag was appointed last month, key figures in the Old Trafford boardroom put together the initial framework with regards to a summer swoop for the Leeds talisman, but there are complications there due to an intense rivalry between the clubs.

It was also understood Leeds being relegated to the Championship might have had a telling impact on the player, but they survived on the final day of the season. Phillips is not the only target for United, though, as Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong remains on the radar owing to an existing relationship with his former Ajax manager Ten Hag.

READ MORE: Erik ten Hag already has the answer to Manchester United midfield dilemma

And one thing that might complicate the Phillips move further is that City are understood to be tracking a central midfielder during the upcoming window — and Phillips has been heavily linked with a move to the Etihad. However, it has been claimed United would be the best fit for his services in the engine room.

During an interview with ggrecon, former City goalkeeper David James said: "It's an interesting angle because the Manchester United of this season wouldn't have been a good move [for Phillips], 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 their 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