Journalist shares ‘ideal move’ for Kalvin Phillips amid Everton links
Luke Edwards says Everton are “definitely” interested in signing Kalvin Phillips, but the midfielder would prefer a move to Leeds United if he leaves Manchester City.
It was reported by iNews on Tuesday (10 October) that Phillips looks set to leave City in January after struggling to win over Pep Guardiola since joining from Leeds in July 2022.
Everton were credited with a previous interest in Phillips, which it was reported they would look to revive should 777 Partners complete their takeover of the club by the time the winter window opens.
While the Toffees are in the mix to sign Phillips, though, The Telegraph reporter Edwards believes Leeds are the England international’s preferred choice of club.
“Everton definitely would be [interested],” he said on BBC Sport’s Football Gossip Daily (11 October, 3m 15s). “Would he want to go to Everton? I think if he had his ideal move, he’d probably go back to Leeds.
“I mean he’s a massive Leeds United supporter and he left on really good terms when he left Elland Road. I think he’s still in touch with people there, but Leeds are obviously in the Championship.
“Even Gareth Southgate might baulk at picking a player who’s starting in the Championship every week over a player who’s starting every week in the Premier League.”
No-brainer
Phillips is facing a huge decision in January. The 27-year-old was given the choice to leave Man City in the summer but decided against doing so.
His determination to prove he can cut it at the Etihad Stadium has to be admired, but it is quite clear he is never going to win over Guardiola.
After all, the Catalan coach decided to look at other options when Rodri was serving a three-match domestic ban.
Bringing in a player of Phillips’ quality – and it must be remembered that he lit up the Premier League with Leeds prior to joining City – would be a great piece of business for Everton.
The Toffees can offer Phillips regular Premier League football, whereas a move to Leeds – likely on loan – would only be a temporary solution for him.
If the money is there from Everton’s perspective, and if City are looking to offload for less than the £42million they splashed out to sign him 15 months ago, then this move seems like a no-brainer.
In other Everton news, the Toffees are reported to have tabled a bid for a South American forward.