wicked.football

Liverpool have joined their fierce rivals Manchester United as the top admirers for one of England’s star players, a report has claimed.

The current generation at Gareth Southgate’s disposal is packed with talent and bags of potential. Most are thriving at club level and as a result are demanding big money moves. Jack Grealish and Jadon Sancho’s summer switches were the first of many huge English transfers we will see in the near future.

At 18 years old, Jude Bellingham is going to pull in an enormous fee for Borussia Dortmund, while West Ham are holding out for a massive sum for Declan Rice.

And their fellow midfielder, Kalvin Phillips, could also be on the move in the not too distant future.

His contract with Leeds expires in 2024. Therefore, come next summer, it’ll be very much be stick or twist for the 25-year-old.

Phillips is yet to decide on signing a new deal with the Whites. Grealish and Sancho may have trod a tempting path.

And if he wants it, a move to a top six side is almost a guarantee. The Red Devils have reportedly identified him as a target ahead of Rice.

Now they’ve been joined by Jurgen Klopp’s side, according to Todo Fichajes. In fact, they report the Reds have shown the most interest of any team.

As a result, it is claimed they will be the ‘main candidate’ for his services should he not sign a new deal at Elland Road.

The report states the asking price Leeds will demand. This will be a minimum of €60m.

England midfielders certainly seem the in-thing with Bellingham also being reported as a Liverpool target previously.

Of the three players, Phillips presents the cheapest option. However, he is also older than his counterparts.

Give our social media channels a follow – we’re on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

Journalist issues Phillips warning

Phillips’ importance to Leeds cannot be understated. They’ve struggled so far this season and his absence in the 1-0 defeat to Southampton was felt.

Should he face a longer-than-expected spell on the sidelines, Daily Mail journalist Riath Al-Samarrai fears Leeds will be in huge trouble.

“The absences of Raphinha and Patrick Bamford stung; the loss of Phillips to a calf injury crippled them. So the hope must be that Bielsa was right in playing down its damage, even if he did ominously reveal that the problem had caused new complications in his hip,” Al-Samarrai wrote.

“Any prolonged lay-off would surely increase the severity of Leeds’ relegation battle.”

READ MORE: Felix snubs Liverpool favourite amid Atletico warning, as Simeone rates Salah

The post Liverpool draw battle lines with Man Utd as top admirers for England star appeared first on TEAMtalk.