Manchester United are ‘working on a deal’ to sign Kalvin Phillips who could follow Rio Ferdinand and Eric Cantona and join rivals Leeds

Manchester United are looking to steer Kalvin Phillips away from bitter rivals Leeds.

The Red Devils have reportedly made him a priority as they close in on appointing Ajax boss Erik ten Hag as their next permanent manager.

According to the Manchester Evening News, Phillips could make a controversial switch from Leeds to Manchester.

Their report says a defensive midfielder is a priority for the Red Devils this summer after opting against bringing one in the 2021 transfer window.

Since helping Leeds return to the top flight in 2020, Phillips’ action has increased significantly.

He is a key member of Gareth Southgate’s England squad having received 19 caps and started every game from the Three Lions run to the Euro 2020 final.

While Man United would love to add him to their squad, they face a challenge to secure his signature.

According to The Mirror, Newcastle are also interested in signing the talented Englishman.

Getty

Getty

The others to retain an interest are West Ham and Aston Villa, according to the Daily Mail, with the former having a £55m bid rejected in the January transfer window.

While this may sound like bad news for Leeds and their supporters, the hope of keeping Phillips is still on the cards.

He’s under contract until 2024 and the club are working hard to try to tie him down to a new contract.

If Phillips leaves Elland Road, he will be following in the footsteps of two of the greatest players to grace Old Trafford.

In November 1992, Sir Alex Ferguson spent £1m to bring in Eric Cantona.

Getty Images – Getty

Getty Images – Getty

He would score 82 goals in 182 appearances and help the club win four Premier League titles and two FA Cups.

And centre-back Rio Ferdinand was also signed from Leeds, joining for a British record fee of £30million in July 2002.

The former captain played 455 times for the club and helped them win five league titles, the Champions League and three League Cups.

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