What Kalvin Phillips has said about Manchester United amid Leeds exit possibility

Kalvin Phillips is very aware of how heated the rivalry between Manchester United and Leeds can be.

MEN Sport revealed on Thursday that United are looking to finalise a move for the defensive midfielder this summer. United are confident they will be able to see off clubs like Aston Villa and West Ham in order to secure his services.

United have prioritised a defensive midfielder this summer to help bolster their squad. Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham have been among the options but the former's price tag of £150million means United are looking at other options.

ALSO READ: Manchester United working on Kalvin Phillips transfer

Bellingham meanwhile looks set to stay at Borussia Dortmund this summer with the Bundesliga side hoping to keep hold of their teenage sensation after becoming resigned to the prospect of losing Erling Haaland. Should Phillips cross the Pennines, he already knows all too well of the anger it will cause among his hometown club's fanbase.

Speaking back in 2020, Phillips told PA about having to remind some of his new Leeds teammates just how much the game against United means. "I’ve got family members that have been talking about it for two or three weeks now, so I’m just looking forward to getting into it," he explained.

"I’ve been trying to tell everyone, the new lads that have been coming in, how important this game is, not just to the club but the fans. We’ve got Raphinha, I’m not sure he knows the importance of the game.

"I’ve given him a little slap on the back of the head and told him." He then added: "Obviously I’d love to beat Man United, and if that happens then great, but if not then we move on to the next game."

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