Man Utd draw up three-man shortlist with Kalvin Phillips their top transfer target for midfield overhaul
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MANCHESTER UNITED have put Kalvin Phillips top of a Three Lions shortlist as they hunt for new midfielder.
England team-mates Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham are also on the Red Devils’ radar.
But United believe Leeds ace Phillips, 26, is the most achievable of the trio and are poised to make a move.
He is due to hold talks over a new deal at Elland Road in the summer – but it is unlikely to happen earlier as he is in the process of changing agents.
And that gives their bitter rivals United a chance to make their move.
Rice would be the preferred target for United but David Moyes has slapped a £150million price tag on his head.
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United also know Borussia Dortmund are highly unlikely to sell Bellingham this summer – as Erling Haaland is poised to leave.
They dealt with the German club in consecutive summers as they tried to thrash out a deal for Jadon Sancho and know how stubborn they can be.
And with United’s place in next season’s Champions League far from certain, they could be restricted in their transfer dealings.
So Phillips is currently the best option as United look to rebuild under a new manager – which looks set to be Erik ten Hag.
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He will inherit midfielders such as Scott McTominay, Fred and Nemanja Matic in the summer but it is one department that needs strengthening.
Leeds would be reluctant to sell one of their prized assets to United- while there remains a doubt over whether the star would fancy the move.
Players such as Eric Cantona and Alan Smith have made the move across the Pennines and Phillips knows the bad blood it would cause.
Aston Villa, Newcastle, West Ham and Arsenal have also been keeping tabs on his situation.
He has told Leeds he is willing to commit his future to them – but until it gets done there is an opportunity for clubs to make their move.
