Transfer notebook: Man City to test Leeds' resolve over Kalvin Phillips

Manchester City are expected to formalise their interest in Kalvin Phillips once England’s internationals are out of the way.

The Premier League champions have identified the Leeds United midfielder as an ideal long-term replacement for Fernandinho and are preparing to test the Yorkshire club’s resolve.

Phillips was substituted in the 14th minute of England's 1-1 Nations Cup draw against Germany on Tuesday with what manager Gareth Southgate described as a “severe dead leg” and it remains to be seen if he plays any part in his country’s final two matches against Italy on Saturday and Hungary three days later.

With West Ham and Aston Villa also interested in Phillips, City do not intend to hang around and are expected to make an official approach to Leeds later this month.

Manchester United are also admirers of Phillips but his strong allegiance to Leeds, where he was born and with whom the Manchester club have a bitter, long-standing rivalry, is likely to preclude any move to Old Trafford.

Still, having managed to avoid relegation on the final day of last season, Leeds have not given up hoping of persuading Phillips to sign a new contract and give them at least another year before possibly leaving Elland Road. 

City have already added forwards Erling Haaland and Julian Alvarez to their squad but manager Pep Guardiola wants a quality midfielder with captain Fernandinho having departed after a glittering nine-year career with the club. They are also after a left back, with Brighton’s Marc Cucurella of interest.

It is likely to be a busy summer of comings and goings at the Etihad Stadium.

City are expected to cash in on Gabriel Jesus, who has a year left on his contract and attracting widespread interest from across Europe,