Phillips’ transfer to Manchester City last summer was hailed as the next step of the Wortley-born academy graduate’s top level career, but under Pep Guardiola, opportunities have been limited. The England international has been repeatedly overlooked by the decorated Spanish coach, unable to oust established defensive midfielder Rodri from his starting place in East Manchester.
His fortunes appear not to have changed since the closure of the summer transfer window, which could lead him to seek a move for more regular football. Former England goalkeeper and two-time Premier League winner David Seaman, whose youth career began at boyhood side Leeds, believes Phillips’ best course of action would be to leave City. “How does Kalvin Phillips feel? Rodri has been out for three games and he’s still not a regular. “He could be because you need to play.