Exclusive: Man City submit formal 26-yr-old bid, £50m could seal deal

The Premier League champions have turned their attention to luring the central midfielder from Elland Road after announcing the arrival on Monday of Erling Haaland.

Leeds face a major battle to hang on to the England international, 26, despite his strong links to the club, where he has graduated from the academy to be the poster boy of their best team in two decades.

Pep Guardiola is a “huge” admirer of Phillips, the source added, and has made it clear at City how much he wants him in his revamped team next season.

Around £50million could be enough to seal a deal for a player out of contract in 2024.

The champions are in the market for a midfielder who can replace Fernandinho, while Ilkay Gundogan is also out of contract next year.

City face competition for Phillips from multiple Premier League rivals, including Aston Villa, West Ham, Newcastle United and Man United.

Guardiola’s side have one major advantage as they are able to offer Champions League football next season as well as a side capable of winning trophies immediately.

Phillips made only 20 Premier League appearances among 26 in all competitions in 2021-2s after being struck down by a hamstring injury in early December.

He returned on 2 April to help Leeds narrowly avoid relegation from the Premier League.

As it stands, he is a one-club man, making 234 total appearances for his home-town club.