Why Manchester United must plot a January swoop for Kalvin Phillips

According to a report from Football Insider (h/t The Express), Manchester United are tracking Leeds United duo Kalvin Phillips and Ben White.

Manchester United have sent scouts to watch the Leeds United duo over the course of the new campaign (h/t The Express) and the report claims that the pair are ‘blowing away’ their admirers with a string of excellent performances.

Kalvin Phillips and loanee Ben White have propelled Marcelo Bielsa’s side to third place in the Championship after 16 games, only two points behind leaders West Brom. The pair have not missed a single Championship game so far this season.

Man United are keen to recruit the best young British talent as they continue to enforce their new transfer policy, which has seen the likes of Harry Maguire, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Daniel James all arrive at Old Trafford.

Kalvin Phillips in action for Leeds United. (Getty Images)

Phillips, 23, came through the Leeds ranks and has been a regular fixture in the team since his 2016/17 breakthrough campaign. The combative midfielder has just signed a new five-year contract with his hometown club after Leeds rejected a £20million-plus offer from a number of Premier League clubs in the summer (h/t The Express).

And Phillips has hit the ground running in the new campaign, screening the defence and dictating play from the holding role.

United signed Daniel James from Championship side Swansea in the summer and he has already proved his worth. After 12 games in the English top-flight, he has scored three goals and made two assists.

With his current form, the Welshman has been outstanding and a constant threat down the flanks. And the Red Devils must take a lot of inspiration from the signing of James while securing the services of Phillips.

Solskjaer’s midfield options have been limited since Ander Herrera was released in the summer. Scott McTominay and Fred appear to be forming a solid partnership in the midfield in recent weeks but with Nemanja Matic ageing and Paul Pogba due to return from an ankle injury in December, United are in dire need of midfield reinforcements.

Leeds United's Kalvin Phillips celebrates after scoring a goal. (Getty Images) — Leeds United’s Kalvin Phillips celebrates after scoring a goal. (Getty Images)

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Phillips could be an ideal addition to United’s midfield. A holding midfielder by trade, the Leeds-born star is an excellent tackler and can make some crucial interceptions for his team.

That can be justified by his average of 3.9 tackles and 1.4 interceptions so far this season. Plus, he has enjoyed an 81.3% pass success rate, supplied 2.1 key passes and 1.9 crosses. [Courtesy: WhoScored.com]

Verdict

All in all, Phillips has the qualities to be the perfect replacement for Matic and thus, United must go all out to sign him during the January transfer window.