Sheffield United are close to sealing the return of midfielder Kalvin Phillips from Manchester City.
Sheffield United had Kalvin Phillips on loan from Manchester City over the second half of last season. Owing to injury and suspension though, the midfielder only played three times for SUFC.
Despite this, Phillips made quite the impression on Chris Wilder, and the Blades have been pursuing a deal to bring the midfielder back to Bramall Lane. Now, as per The Star, the 30-year-old’s move back to the Steel City is close to completion.
Although not clarified in the new report, it is widely expected that Phillips rejoins United on loan. He has two years left on his contract with Manchester City, where he is far down the pecking order.
Kalvin Phillips returns to Sheffield United with a point to prove
Phillips’ story has been well documented. After developing into a standout player and England regular with Leeds United, he has been unable to kick on at Manchester City, with injuries seeing him drop down the pecking order and prompting loans to West Ham and Ipswich Town.
His Sheffield United loan in January marked a drop to the Championship, a league he previously thrived in. The hope was he could get back to his best in red and white, but his spell at Bramall Lane was disrupted.
Despite this, Wilder clearly believes the Yorkshireman can be an influential asset in his midfield, and rightly so. If kept fit, Phillips can get back to his best and become a real lynchpin in the SUFC side, boasting an excellent passing range, combative defensive style and the leadership to guard the backline well out of possession.
A tough few years for Phillips means he makes the move with a point to prove to Blades fans, wider football viewers and himself. Having a boss like Wilder who believes in his abilities will be key to getting back to his best.
Kalvin Phillips’ Championship stats
The Verdict: More deals needed in a frustrating Sheffield United summer
Should Phillips join, he will be just the third summer signing at Sheffield United. Romelle Donovan arrived on loan before the free transfer signing of former Wolves and Spurs full-back Matt Doherty.
Persistent uncertainty within the SUFC hierarchy means Wilder is operating in the dark. It remains unknown just what sort of recruitment drive the club can put together before the window’s end.
There is no hiding that this squad needs strengthening. The likes of Mark McGuinness have been told they can move elsewhere but a lack of movement regarding incomings limits the amount of players who can leave at present.
The Blades are in limbo ahead of the new campaign. A deal for Phillips marks a step in the right direction, but only time will tell just what awaits between now and the end of the summer transfer window.
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