Everton loan option, Leeds return – Kalvin Phillips’ Man City future hangs in the balance

Kalvin Phillips could offer him a lifeline away from Manchester City if reports are to be believed.

Phillips looks set for a City exit after a nightmare season at the Etihad and then loan spell at West Ham. He managed just 10 appearances for the Blues in the first half of the campaign, averaging just 31 minutes each, before making a further 10 for the Hammers – also averaging 31 minutes per appearance and failing to complete 90 minutes in any game.

After missing his chance during Rodri’s three-match ban, Pep Guardiola admitted he is struggling to see Phillips in his City squad, noting he would be perfect for games that call for chaos – something Guardiola tries so hard to avoid at all costs. .

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Phillips fell short of the five-appearance mark to receive a Premier League winner’s medal for City this term, so he watched the celebrations from the Etihad stands last week but went into the Blues dressing room to congratulate his team-mates .

He returned to Wembley to go to the dressing room after the FA Cup final defeat to Manchester United but stayed in London at the weekend to watch Leeds in the Championship play-off final the following day instead of attending City’s Premier League. title parade.

He will be hoping Leeds beat Southampton and earn promotion to the Premier League, as the funds unlocked by promotion could have tempted his former club to re-sign him. But with Southampton winning, Leeds are now unlikely to afford Phillips, closing a door on one of the few possible clubs who would be open to a permanent transfer.

City may prefer a permanent sale, looking to recoup as much of the £42m they spent on Phillips in 2022, but may have to settle for a loan move. Everton are said to be considering a move for the former England international, but it would be a temporary change due to the uncertain takeover situation and the new stadium under construction.

A chance to reinvent himself under Sean Dyche would certainly be an enticing prospect for Phillips, who has been left out of England’s Euro 2024 squad, so will be free to sort out his future as soon as possible to get a full pre-season under his leadership. belt.

If he does not secure a club before City’s return, he will be part of their squad to travel to the USA in July, but Guardiola overlooked that when he named a number of senior players expected to be available who are not taking part . euro.

Phillips is under contract at the Etihad until 2028.