Leeds United losing Kalvin Phillips to Manchester City this summer is "very, very possible", according to journalist Jacque Talbot.

The England midfielder has been heavily linked with a move to the Etihad, and while Talbot is not ruling out him remaining at Elland Road, he thinks there is a good chance that he could join Pep Guardiola's side.

What is the latest news involving Phillips?

The two top teams in the Premier League could be about to do battle for Phillips' signature in the upcoming transfer window, with reports suggesting that both City and Liverpool are interested in signing the 26-year-old.

According to 90min, City are readying a bid for Phillips after making several enquiries about the Leeds academy graduate.

GiveMeSport Transfer Verdict

Meanwhile, Spanish outlet SPORT has claimed that Liverpool have turned their attention to Phillips after ending their pursuit of Barcelona's Gavi.

The £38,000-a-week England international, who made 23 appearances in the 2021/22 season, has just two years to run on his current deal.

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What has Talbot said about Phillips to City?

Talbot thinks Phillips could find it hard to turn down City and can see a move happening this summer.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the journalist said: "Can you say no to Man City if you're Kalvin Phillips? 26 years old, you're an England starter, there's not much rivalry between Leeds and Man City.

"I think that seems very, very possible. If Leeds pull this out the bag, show Phillips a bit of ambition in the market, then he could stay. But if he's not going to stay there, then I put my money on Man City."

Why do City want Phillips?

With Fernandinho leaving the Etihad this summer, City need a new defensive midfielder, and Phillips has proven he can do a good job in that position in the Premier League.

As per FBref, he has ranked in the 98th percentile for pressures, 97th for tackles and 96th for blocks over the last year among his positional peers, showing the energy and steel he brings to the middle of the park.

Considering that, and the fact that Phillips is a product of Leeds' academy, the Whites will not want to lose him. And with the Daily Mail claiming in the past that the Premier League star has indicated that he is willing to extend his stay at Elland Road, they may not.

However, given City's interest, you would probably say an exit in the upcoming transfer window is probably the likelier outcome in what would be a huge blow to Jesse Marsch and the rest of the team.