Championship title hopefuls Leeds United are reportedly 'very much on course' to bring Kalvin Phillips back to Elland Road in the summer transfer window.
Phillips spent seven years in the senior team of his boyhood club Leeds before joining Manchester City for a reported £42m in the summer of 2022.
However, the midfielder failed to reach the heights expected under Pep Guardiola and started just six of his 31 appearances for the Citizens across all competitions.
Phillips, who revealed at the end of last year how "peed off" he was with Guardiola labelling him 'overweight' during his time at the Etihad Stadium, endured a challenging loan spell at West Ham United during the second half of last season.
This term, the 29-year-old has made 16 Premier League appearances on loan at Ipswich Town, who are in danger of an immediate demotion back to the Championship as they sit six points adrift of safety.
Phillips's long-term future remains uncertain, but the midfielder is now deemed surplus to requirements at Man City and it seems almost inevitable that he will depart again either on loan or permanently this summer.
© Imago
Phillips 'verbally agrees' Leeds return as Man City set asking price
Ipswich and Leeds could be swapping divisions before the start of next season, and according to TEAMtalk, a return to Elland Road is on the cards for Phillips as the Tractor Boys are not expected to sign the midfielder permanently, regardless as to whether they avoid relegation or not.
Leeds have been keen to bring Phillips back to the club over the last 12 months and a verbal agreement is now said to have been reached with the Yorkshireman for him to return to the club where he began his career as an academy player back in 2010.
Man City are said to be aware of Leeds' interest in Phillips and a summer deal will likely depend on whether Daniel Farke's side secure promotion back to the Premier League.
Leeds currently sit top of the Championship table with nine matches left to play, two points clear of Sheffield United in second and four points above Burnley in third who occupy one of four playoff positions.
If Leeds successfully secure promotion, Man City will not stand in Phillips' way if he wishes to re-join the Whites and are willing to accept offers of £20m for the midfielder.
Phillips is believed to be earning around £150,000 per week at Man City, where his contract expires in June 2028, but it is understood that agreeing a salary reduction to return to Leeds is unlikely to be an issue.
Oliver Thomas
