Football rumours: Manchester City hope to sign Kalvin Phillips before US trip

Kalvin Phillips File Photo
(Image credit: Richard Sellers)

What the papers say

The ink has dried on the Erling Haaland deal so Manchester City have reportedly shifted their focus elsewhere. The Times says the Premier League champions want to sign England international Kalvin Phillips from Leeds following the departure of Fernandinho from midfield at the Etihad. City are hoping the star factor of Haaland and Pep Guardiola will ensure the 26-year-old joins them before their pre-season tour to America in July.

Everton apparently have a suitor interested in their own Brazilian superstar Richarlison. Tottenham are said to be keen on the 25-year-old but will have to pay more than £50m to bring him to the capital, according to the Telegraph. The paper adds Spurs are the only club, at this stage, to flag they are eager to secure the forward.

Frenkie de Jong during the UEFA Nations League

Frenkie de Jong has impressed at Camp Nou and on international duties (David Davies/PA)

Manchester United are said to be willing to to walk away from negotiations with Barcelona over Frenkie de Jong. The Manchester Evening News says the Red Devils are insistent they will not pay over the odds for the Holland midfielder, 25, who is valued at £87.5m by his Spanish club.

United are also interested in France international Christopher Nkunku, reports The Independent. The 24-year-old forward impressed last season and RB Leipzig have set a price of £100m for him, with the Old Trafford outfit joining Arsenal and Paris St Germain in chasing him.

Social media round-up

Players to watch

Gavi: Spanish outlet Marca says Liverpool and Manchester City are monitoring Barcelona’s Spain midfielder, but the 17-year-old’s contract has a £85.7m-release clause in it.

Ross Stewart: Rangers want the Sunderland and Scotland striker, 25, if Alfredo Morelos opts against extending his time at Ibrox, according to the Northern Echo.

Bernd Leno: The Standard reports Fulham are considering making a move for Arsenal’s 30-year-old Germany goalkeeper.

Read more
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola may have identified another new signing
Manchester City to continue Pep Guardiola rebuild with European star who already has a 'gentleman's agreement' in place: report
Manchester City target Raphinha
Manchester City in eye-watering bid for Barcelona star Raphinha: report
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola may have identified another new signing
Manchester City in for Real Madrid superstar to replace Bernardo Silva: report
Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola
Jack Grealish leaving, with Omar Marmoush his replacement - and an upgrade in midfield: Manchester City’s dream transfer window
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has always spoken so highly of Phil Foden
Manchester City ready to sell Phil Foden, in shock transfer listing: report
Pep Guardiola is giving his Manchester City a January refresh
Manchester City closing in on window record - as they line up former star as their next signing: report
Latest in
Fulham manager Marco Silva looks on from the dugout ahead of the FA Cup fourth round tie against Wigan Athletic at the Brick Community Stadium in Wigan, England on 8 February, 2025
'I think Marco Silva is the best manager in London - he managed to really maintain the desire to play attractive football, which was really hard over the years': Former Fulham talisman showers praise on 'impressive' Marco Silva
Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim looks on following his side's defeat against AFC Bournemouth
Report reveals 10 Manchester United players leaving this summer
James Maddison of Tottenham Hotspur scores their 2nd goal during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Tottenham Hotspur FC at Etihad Stadium on November 23, 2024 in Manchester, England.
Tottenham and Manchester City could smash transfer record for British wonderkid: report
Tottenham Hotspur back row (L-R) Dele Alli, Mousa Dembele, Eric Dier, Davinson Sanchez, Hugo Lloris, Jan Vertonghen; front row (L-R) Son Heung-min, Christian Eriksen, Harry Kane, Kieran Trippier, Ben Davies during the Champions League match against Juventus at the Wembley Stadium on March 7, 2018 in London United Kingdom
Tottenham cult hero calls retirement - to avoid 'painkiller dependency'
Thomas Tuchel will take charge of England for the very first time this evening
'He pushed us. It was tough love, but that's Thomas' Former player reveals that the new England manager will be HARD on his players
Arsenal squad for 2024/25 LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 11: William Saliba of Arsenal celebrates scoring his teams first goal with teammates during the Pre-Season Friendly match between Arsenal FC and Olympique Lyonnais at Emirates Stadium on August 11, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Arsenal warned, as Real Madrid are coming for their star next: report
Latest in News
Fulham manager Marco Silva looks on from the dugout ahead of the FA Cup fourth round tie against Wigan Athletic at the Brick Community Stadium in Wigan, England on 8 February, 2025
'I think Marco Silva is the best manager in London - he managed to really maintain the desire to play attractive football, which was really hard over the years': Former Fulham talisman showers praise on 'impressive' Marco Silva
Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim looks on following his side's defeat against AFC Bournemouth
Report reveals 10 Manchester United players leaving this summer
James Maddison of Tottenham Hotspur scores their 2nd goal during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Tottenham Hotspur FC at Etihad Stadium on November 23, 2024 in Manchester, England.
Tottenham and Manchester City could smash transfer record for British wonderkid: report
Tottenham Hotspur back row (L-R) Dele Alli, Mousa Dembele, Eric Dier, Davinson Sanchez, Hugo Lloris, Jan Vertonghen; front row (L-R) Son Heung-min, Christian Eriksen, Harry Kane, Kieran Trippier, Ben Davies during the Champions League match against Juventus at the Wembley Stadium on March 7, 2018 in London United Kingdom
Tottenham cult hero calls retirement - to avoid 'painkiller dependency'
Thomas Tuchel will take charge of England for the very first time this evening
'He pushed us. It was tough love, but that's Thomas' Former player reveals that the new England manager will be HARD on his players
Arsenal squad for 2024/25 LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 11: William Saliba of Arsenal celebrates scoring his teams first goal with teammates during the Pre-Season Friendly match between Arsenal FC and Olympique Lyonnais at Emirates Stadium on August 11, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Arsenal warned, as Real Madrid are coming for their star next: report