Leeds Man City raid hits major roadblock despite cash injection from unusual sources

Leeds United’s hopes of securing a return to Elland Road for Kalvin Phillips have apparently hit a bump.

Phillips is two years into a six-year deal with Manchester City but has been loaned out to West Ham after a broken start to life at the Etihad.

The England international has seen his attempts to break into the City team frustrated by injuries.

Pep Guardiola’s comments about Phillips’ weight suggested the relationship between player and club had become strained.

In two seasons with Manchester City, Phillips made just 16 appearances.

His loan spell at West Ham has also not gone to plan, but manager David Moyes believes Phillips needs support to match expectations.

“Kalvin is a human being and what he needs is support and people to help him, which we will do,” Moyes told Athletic.

“We need our fans to give all our players the support they need.

“Kalvin is a very good player and I think we can still do something with the time we have with him here.”

READ MORE: Man City’s Kalvin Phillips return to Leeds is gathering pace as insider makes big claims, move subject to one condition

Manchester City raise eyebrows with Kalvin Phillips’ asking price

Phillips joined Manchester City in 2022 for a reported fee of £45m and while the club shaved a few million off that figure, their asking price was still a surprise.

City have reportedly told Leeds United that at least £40m would be needed to release Phillips from his long-term Manchester contract.

Phillips arguably played his best football at Elland Road and has been linked with a return to the club since before his loan spell at West Ham.

Despite Moyes’ encouraging words for Phillips, it has been reported that West Ham will not trigger an option to buy the defensive midfielder.

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Can Leeds United afford the fee?

Leeds United look set for play-off promotion action in the coming weeks, which could set them up for a return to the top flight.

The Whites have just secured a capital injection from an unusual source, in the form of a big investment in their parent company from movie star Will Ferrell.

It has been suggested that Ferrell could raise the cash needed for a rebuilding Leeds United, whether or not they secure promotion to the Premier League this season.

Phillips is reportedly keen to return to Leeds United, where he played for 12 years as a junior and senior player.