Liverpool are not interested in signing Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips in the summer transfer window, according to Ben Jacobs.
The Reds are expected to sign at least two midfielders this summer, with Brighton’s Alexis Mac Allister topping Jurgen Klopp’s wishlist.
Klopp had made Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham his top priority but the Merseyside club pulled out of negotiations last month.
The signing of Phillips would be a good one amidst his struggles at the Etihad this season.
The England international was signed by City from Leeds United last summer for a fee in the region of £45million.
He was brought in to compete for Rodri’s place in Pep Guardiola’s starting XI but has barely featured.
In fairness, the 27-year-old did undergo shoulder surgery in September, returning just in time to go to the World Cup with England.
Phillips has failed to start a single Premier League game this season and has only been named in the starting XI twice across all competitions, in what has been a very frustrating year.
One difficult season does not mean Phillips has turned into a poor player and it is no surprise to see Liverpool linked with him.
Daily Star correspondent Jeremy Cross recently claimed that Liverpool are interested in signing the former Leeds favourite, who is ‘open’ to the move.
However, reputable journalist Ben Jacobs has said this is not the case.
Writing in his CaughtOffside column, he said: ‘There have been suggestions Kalvin Phillips may be sold. It’s premature to talk about an exit for now. Phillips has been told to fight for his place. After all, he’s only been there for a year.
‘Suggestions Liverpool are interested are incorrect to my understanding.’
Phillips has also been linked with Aston Villa – who want to sign him and Kyle Walker from City, according to 90min.
Jacobs also discusses City’s summer plans with Bellingham reportedly set to join Real Madrid.
He provides an update on the future of Ilkay Gundogan, who is out of contract at the end of 2022-23 and is being chased by Barcelona.
Jacob wrote: ‘In terms of outgoings at Manchester City, Ilkay Gundogan’s future remains undecided. He showed his importance with both goals in the 2-1 win over Leeds.
‘Pep Guardiola wants to keep Gundogan but with his contract up in June, Barcelona still remains an option.
‘Barca have so many moving pieces. Every incoming, even a free transfer, is contingent on so many other players. Barcelona have to reduce their wage bill, especially if they are to make an offer to Lionel Messi that La Liga will accept.
‘Every single thing Barcelona do, in terms of recruitment this summer, will impact either another squad player or target.’
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