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Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips has been warned he faces a backlash from fans if he turns his back on the club to join bitter rivals Manchester United. The defensive midfielder has been linked with a move to Old Trafford as Red Devils boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer looks to address his problem area.
Man Utd had appeared to be favouring a move for West Ham’s Declan Rice but Solskjaer is apparently being put off by the Hammers’ £90million valuation.
Phillips thrusted himself into the limelight last season courtesy of a hatful of standout performances in the Premier League.
His impact in front of the Leeds backline was a major part of the club’s success last term as Marcelo Bielsa’s side won 18 games to finish ninth.
And Phillips’ form has also seen him become a regular for England. The 25-year-old started every game for the Three Lions as they reached the Euro 2020 final earlier this year.
But now former Leeds defender Danny Mills has handed the midfielder a stark warning.
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“I mean other players have done it, Rio [Ferdinand] left - Rio was only there a year. Alan Smith did it and he’s not particularly welcome back in Leeds now.
“Kalvin is Leeds through and through. I’d have never gone to be honest. I’d have never played for Man United - well I never got asked.”
Phillips missed the opening game of the campaign against Man Utd after his exploits with England in the summer but has gone on to play every minute of Leeds’ last seven matches in all competitions.
His side have suffered a dismal start to the season, however, and are yet to pick up a Premier League win.
Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is apparently keen to sign Kalvin Phillips (Image: GETTY)
Man Utd, who thumped Leeds 5-1 in that season-opener, began the campaign in fine fashion but came unstuck last weekend as they were beaten at home by Aston Villa.
United suffered Champions League defeat to Young Boys a fortnight ago and were also knocked out of the Carabao Cup by West Ham last week as pressure begins to mount on Solskjaer.
The Norwegian boss will need to buck his ideas up if he is to remain in charge at Old Trafford in the long-term and oversee a deal for Phillips.