Report: Man City officials sent to club as Pep and Txiki agree on potential perfect signing

According to journalist David McDonnell of The Daily Mirror, an interesting Manchester City transfer update has come to light involving Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips.

After a near-decade long stay in the Premier League, Sky Blues must wave goodbye to veteran and faithful club servant Fernandinho who has been a pivotal figure both on and off the field since signing from Shakhtar Donetsk in 2013.

The Brazilian has made a brilliant 382 appearances for City in all competitions, featuring over four Premier League title-winning campaigns and winning 13 trophies in total (Transfermarkt).

Fernandinho has put pen to paper on one-year contract extensions twice over the last two years, but as already confirmed, this 2021/2022 season will be his last in blue.

Pep Guardiola, as a result, is currently on the lookout for his replacement with links having emerged to the likes of Frenkie de Jong of Barcelona and even Man United outcast Paul Pogba.

Now, as per McDonnell of The Mirror, the Sky Blues are now in contention to sign Leeds star Phillips in their hunt for a new midfielder.

Etihad Stadium officials have even been sent to run the rule over Jesse Marsch’s star on numerous occasions with both Guardiola and sporting director Txiki Begiristain agreeing Phillips could be the ‘ideal’ signing for them.

Having been linked with West Ham star Declan Rice this summer, with that interest since dying down due to his enormous price tag, City could find a similar tough-tackling ace in Phillips for a much lesser fee.

The England international is apparently rated at around £50 million, a far more attainable bid than the £100m for Rice, with the 26-year-old also having what it takes to slot in Guardiola’s system.

According to WhoScored,