Manchester United working on Kalvin Phillips transfer

Manchester United are working on a deal to sign Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips.

United have prioritised a defensive midfielder in the summer market after deciding against signing one last year and Phillips has impressed since Leeds were promoted to the Premier League in 2020.

Although United are interested in Phillips's England teammates Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham, West Ham have publicly valued Rice at an exorbitant £150million while Borussia Dortmund want to keep Bellingham for one more year as they are resigned to losing Erling Haaland this summer.

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Rice is developing into a box-to-box midfielder and Bellingham's creativity is striking, whereas Phillips has excelled in a deeper role for Leeds and England.

The United coach-elect Erik ten Hag would have a veto on any players United have already shortlisted but United are understood to be advancing on an intended deal to sign Phillips.

Phillips is also aligned with interim United manager Ralf Rangnick's preference for targeting hungry players seeking a progressive career move.

Ten Hag is set to inherit central midfielders Scott McTominay, Fred and Nemanja Matic, with James Garner hopeful of securing a squad place next season after thriving on loan at Nottingham Forest.

United are mindful of how restricted they could be in the summer market if they fail to qualify for the Champions League, which would effectively scupper any ambitious move for Rice or Bellingham. Phillips is generating interest from Aston Villa and West Ham and United are confident of seeing off any competitors.

Phillips is contracted to Leeds until 2024 and discussions over a renewal have become