Report: £60m player now more likely to leave than stay, with Liverpool still paying very close attention to him

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Liverpool are still monitoring the situation of Leeds United’s Kalvin Phillips ahead of this summer’s transfer window.

That’s according to 90min, who claim that The Reds are one of half-a-dozen Premier League teams interested in the midfielder.

Phillips is reportedly yet to enter into talks with Leeds over a new deal. It’s claimed that his current contract is ‘well below’ market value and the Yorkshire club will therefore have a ‘huge task’ to convince him to stay.

Clubs such as Manchester City and Arsenal, as well as Liverpool, are reportedly ‘keeping abreast’ of Phillips.

The England international is said to be holding talks ‘imminently’ with Leeds over his future. However, the expectation is reportedly that a transfer away from his hometown club will be the most likely outcome.

An interesting option for Liverpool

If Phillips is to leave Leeds this summer, a transfer to Liverpool would seem to make quite a bit of sense.

The Reds are reportedly looking to bolster their midfield with a couple of signings. Although slightly younger players may be preferred, Phillips wouldn’t necessarily have to come in as a starter.

Instead, he could be a great option to have to cover all positions across the midfield. Liverpool lack a proper alternative to Fabinho as a holding midfielder. Jordan Henderson can do a passable job there, but Phillips is a more clear swap in that respect.

The 26-year-old can also play slightly further forward or even fill in as an auxiliary centre-back if needed. He has plenty of Premier League and international experience and also ticks a home-grown box for the quota.

Not quite ticking all the boxes

All good, then? Well, not quite.

The reported price-tag of £60m looks a little rich for Liverpool’s liking. Had Leeds gone down, that could have been more-or-less halved, but they didn’t.

It’s true that perhaps Phillips’ wage demands may be less than other players on Liverpool’s list, but that still looks like too big-a fee.

Injury issues are another potential red flag. According to other reports, Manchester City have made Phillips their top midfield target for the summer. But Liverpool’s preference for high-intensity pressing may make his injury history more of a worry.

Phillips is a fine player though, and seems like a good person to have around too. If Liverpool do end up pursuing him all the way, he’d surely fit in well.

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