Exclusive: Sheffield United Eye Permanent Move for Kalvin Phillips if Manchester City End Contract

Sheffield United will attempt to persuade Kalvin Phillips that Bramall Lane is the perfect place to resurrect his career if Manchester City decide to pay-up his contract at the end of the season, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal.

The former Leeds and England midfielder joined Chris Wilder’s side on loan during last month’s transfer window, signing an agreement which lasts until the end of the present Championship campaign. 

Although he is scheduled to return to the Etihad Stadium in May, City chief Pep Guardiola has already made it clear Phillips has no future with the eight-time Premier League champions. 

Sources close to City have told SportsBoom they expect them to try and negotiate a settlement with the 30-year-old to terminate his stay. 

And Wilder, the Blades manager, has attempted to steal a march on Phillips’ other suitors by making it plain that he would be interested in retaining their client’s services on a permanent basis if he does become a free agent.

PAY CUT

Although Phillips would have to accept a drastic pay cut in order to broker a move to South Yorkshire, the settlement he would be expected to receive from Guardiola’s employers is likely to soften the blow considerably. 

Crucially, he has already spoken of his respect for Wilder, describing him as the type of person he “always thought I’d like to play for” ahead of his switch to United.

The relationship between the pair could hold the key to the Blades’ chances of striking a deal. Likewise, the presence of Phillips' former Elland Road team mate Patrick Bamford in the Blades’s squad.

Coupled with the fact Phillips has now decided that game-time is just now take priority over money, Wilder is convinced that keeping hold of Phillips long-term is not beyond the realms of possibility.

After making nearly 250 appearances for his hometown club Leeds, Phillips commanded a fee thought to be in the region of £42m when he swapped West Yorkshire for the North-West in 2022. 

However, Phillips has made only 32 appearances for City since then, completing spells on loan with Ipswich Town and West Ham before heading to United.