Man Utd boost in Kalvin Phillips transfer chase as Leeds line up Hoffenheim star Grillitsch as replacement

MANCHESTER UNITED have received a boost in their pursuit of Leeds midfielder Kalvin Phillips.

The 26-year-old England international is reportedly being monitored by the Red Devils despite a frustratingly injury-prone season.

Phillips has two years remaining on his contract and expressed a desire to stay at Elland Road earlier in the season.

But it is still thought that he will be tempted to leave when Man Utd come in for him in the summer.

And according to , Leeds have now identified a replacement for Phillips in the form of Hoffenheim star Florian Grillitsch.

The Austrian midfielder has impressed for the Bundesliga side in his 18 appearances this term.

He has helped propel Hoffenheim up to sixth in the table, a stark improvement from their 11th place finish last season.

Grillitsch is out of contract in the summer and the report states that his representatives have reached out to clubs in England, Germany and Spain.

Arsenal and Newcastle have been linked with a move for him.

West Ham and Everton are also keeping tabs ahead of a possible offer.

But now Leeds have joined the race as they prepare for life without talisman Phillips.

One factor that has drawn the interest from English sides is Grillitsch's versatility.

As well as being able to play as a holding midfielder, he can also fill in as a makeshift centre-back.