One player is eyeing a potential move to Leeds United, with Daniel Farke’s side having made their stance clear on a deal in January.
Undefeated Leeds eye January transfers
It’s been a strong last two months for the newly-promoted Whites, who haven’t lost a single Premier League game since November with eight points now separating them from the drop zone.
Although this race has been strewn with stalemates, the signs are extremely encouraging for Leeds who hope to put more ground between themselves and West Ham in the 18th.
Newcastle United await on Wednesday evening, and although a trip to St. James’ Park is always difficult, Farke’s men go into their North East clash with real momentum after a strong festive period.
The January transfer window also presents an opportunity to strengthen in what would be a crucial month.
While tempering expectations of quick winter deals in the opening week or any big spend, Farke told reporters ahead of their 1-1 draw with Man United that signings were entirely possible over the coming weeks.
“Of course, in the background, the club is also preparing a little bit, and we will see, but also, honestly, I don’t expect a major turnaround,” Farke said.
“This group has achieved a lot, and for that, it’s not like 10 players are going to leave us and 10 new ones come in.
“If we find a solution to improve this group then yes, but nothing to say at the moment and at the moment we are completely focused on Man U, on Newcastle and then the FA Cup game.
It’s clear from Farke’s message that only obvious team improvements will be prioritized, which explains their stance on the re-signing of Man City midfielder Kalvin Phillips.
The £150,000-a-week midfielder has made just one appearance under Pep Guardiola this season, a seven-minute spell in the Carabao Cup against Huddersfield, and has been ruled out for a long time now.
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Phillips spent last season on loan at Ipswich Town, where he failed to convince the Tractor Boys to make his move permanent, and that move was preceded by a dismal six months at West Ham.
Kalvin Phillips keen to join Leeds as Whites transfer position revealed
Today, according to FourFourTwo’s Joe Donnohue, the 31-year-old views the idea of Elland Road quite positively.
Phillips apparently wants a return to Leeds, although the club are unlikely to continue negotiations having already strengthened Farke’s midfield with last summer’s arrivals of Anton Stach and Sean Longstaff.
Farke sees captain Ethan Ampadu as indispensable at the heart of his system, further curtailing any potential return for the former Yorkshire favorite.
Wolves have emerged as serious contenders to offer Phillips a Premier League lifeline this month, exploring a loan deal as Rob Edwards seeks reinforcements for the club’s desperate battle for survival.
The Midlands side finally secured their first league win of the season last weekend when they demolished West Ham 3-0 at Molineux, temporarily easing the pressure on Edwards.
As things stand, Wolves are a much more likely destination for Phillips than Leeds, who will not be swayed by the prospect of an emotional return.
Leeds’ refusal to consider an approach leaves Phillips facing the difficult choice between proving his credentials in a relegation or continuing his exile at the Etihad under Guardiola, who has made it clear the midfielder has no future in Manchester.
Leeds are now keenly interested in signing a £94,000-a-week Serie A striker this month
He could partner Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
