Liverpool target Kalvin Phillips has decided that he wants to stay put and fight for his place at Manchester City this season.
Reports recently surfaced regarding the Reds’ interest in the England international, but Jack Gaughan revealed in a Premier League Q&A for MailOnline that the 27-year-old has no intention of departing the Etihad this summer.
Phillips has seen game time hard to come by since switching to the Cityzens from Leeds United last season, featuring just 21 times for Pep Guardiola’s side so far. None of those appearances have come during this campaign.
The midfielder, labelled ‘excellent’ by Gareth Southgate, became more widely recognised due to his impressive performances alongside Declan Rice in the heart of England’s midfield during the Euros, it was his showings from that tournament that alerted a host of top clubs and it was City who prevailed in the race for his signature.
Things have not quite gone to plan, however, and although he is not currently in the first team frame, he is determined to break into the star-studded Cityzens fold.
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What’s next for Phillips?
On Phillips’ decision, Gaughan said: “The latest on Kalvin Phillips is much the same: he doesn’t want to leave Man City. He’s got a long contract and has said he wants to fight for that place.
“Whether he is given that opportunity is another matter entirely, he’s not played a single minute so far this season and saw youngsters come on ahead of him as they cruised at Burnley.
“He might have some big decisions to make in the near future. And beyond that, obviously the Euros are coming up next year, so does his thinking change in January?”
Having missed out on Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia, Liverpool sought to bring in VfB Stuttgart midfielder Wataru Endo. They are still in need of an additional body in midfield, however, so the former Leeds man may miss his opportunity to sign for the Reds should he remain with Guardiola’s side until January.
Jurgen Klopp has options, including Andre Trindade and Cheick Doucoure, so it is unlikely that he would come knocking again for Phillips once the gap has been plugged.