Liverpool are reportedly interested in signing Kalvin Phillips from Leeds United next summer, and will be encouraged by the fact that the midfielder would prefer a move to Anfield over Old Trafford.
The Daily Star claims that Phillips would be reluctant to leave Leeds for Manchester United, given the fierce rivalry between the clubs and the repercussions it would have for him and his family.
The midfielder is being touted as a long-term replacement for Paul Pogba, should the Frenchman leave Manchester United at the end of his current contract. But Jurgen Klopp is also keen to bolster his midfield options too after registering an interest in Phillips.
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Former Leeds defender Danny Mills commented on a possible transfer to United last month, and believes Phillips would have no problems breaking into Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's team.
"Alan Smith went and I think the fans understood it but didn't particularly like it and some will never forgive him for that," Mills told Football Insider in quotes published by The Metro.
"I understand that because there will always be a bitter rivalry between the two.
"Would he fit in Manchester United's team? Would he play? Without a shadow of a doubt, yes. Would he improve them? Yes.
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"Whether you like it or not as a Leeds fan, Manchester United are a global entity, you can't argue with that."
Any move is likely to be a big-money one, and is expected to be in the region of £60million - a premium price for one of the country's most exciting midfield talents.
The 25-year-old has risen to prominence this year after a series of impressive performances for England at the European Championships, and Leeds are desperate to keep hold of one of their most prized assets.
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He is currently under contract at Elland Road until June 2024, but the club are keen to tie him down to a new and improved deal that would make him the highest-paid player in Marcelo Bielsa's squad.
Talks have already begun between Leeds and Phillips' representatives, but the England international may be tempted with a move away in search of major honours, especially if Marcelo Bielsa leaves the club.
Phillips has made a total of 220 appearances for the club and scored 14 goals. He has featured nine times across all competitions for the Whites this season, finding the net in a 3-0 Carabao Cup victory over Crewe Alexandra.
It will be fascinating to see Phillips' next move come the end of the season.
Topics: Kalvin Phillips, Manchester United, Premier League, England, Leeds United, Jurgen Klopp