Kalvin Phillips’ situation at Manchester City has so far not changed despite reported interest from Liverpool.
City signed Phillips from Leeds for £42m last summer, but the English midfielder has struggled to get to grips with life at the Etihad Stadium.
The 27-year-old ended the season with Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League medals around his neck, but he started just four matches in all competitions.
Reports emerged this week that Liverpool are eyeing up Phillips, while the possibility of City loaning out the midfielder was also muted.
Phillips stance remains the same
However, despite the Liverpool report, it appears that Phillips has no intention of leaving the treble winners.
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Earlier this summer Phillips gave a number of interview in which he stated his desire to stay at City and prove himself after a difficult first season.
According to the Daily Mail’s Jack Gaughan, Phillips’ stance has not changed despite the summer arrival of Matteo Kovacic and the seemingly imminent signing of Matheus Nunes.
“The latest on Kalvin Phillips is much the same: he doesn’t want to leave Man City,” the journalist said in a MailSport transfer Q&A.
“He’s got a long contract and has said he wants to fight for that place.
“Whether he is given that opportunity is another matter entirely, he’s not played a single minute so far this season and saw youngsters come on ahead of him as they [City] cruised at Burnley.
“He might have some big decisions to make in the near future. And beyond that, obviously the Euros are coming up next year, so does his thinking change in January?”
MCN view: Phillips needs to wake up and smell the coffee
Phillips’ stance is admirable in a way, but since he stated his desire to fight for his place at City his position has arguably worsened.
Pep Guardiola clearly doesn’t think he is good enough to play, never mind start, in his team.
The City boss would sooner play Kovacic – primarily an attacking midfielder – or youngster Rico Lewis alongside or in place of Rodri than turn to Phillips.
For his sake, he should seek a move away this summer.