Kalvin Phillips closing in on Football League loan move from Manchester City | OneFootball

Manchester City are progressing towards an exit for Kalvin Phillips in the final hours of the January transfer window, according to reports.

The England international has endured a difficult spell at the Etihad Stadium, with consistent first-team opportunities proving elusive under Pep Guardiola since his big-money switch from Leeds United in 2022.

Despite being part of the squad across multiple competitions, Phillips has struggled to displace established options in central midfield and has often found himself on the fringes of matchday selections.

Manchester City’s midfield evolution over the last 12 months in particular has further played a significant role in Kalvin Phillips’ difficult situation, with tactical demands requiring high levels of mobility, positional discipline, and match sharpness. Injuries have made it increasingly difficult to regain momentum at the Etihad Campus.

With City well stocked in midfield and focused on maintaining squad balance for the second half of the campaign, a temporary exit has long been viewed as the most realistic solution for Kalvin Phillips.

And now, according to the information on The Telegraph’s Mike McGrath, Championship strugglers Sheffield United are currently progressing on a deal for Manchester City’s out-of-favour midfielder.

It is claimed that the South Yorkshire club are still facing late competition from other European clubs for the England international midfielder, but talks are ongoing with those from Bramall Lane.

Additional reporting from Sky Sports News’ Ben Ransom clarifies that Sheffield United are closing in on a loan deal for the player, with Manchester City expected to cover a ‘large portion’ of his wages.

Should the move be completed, a return to Yorkshire could offer Kalvin Phillips a familiar environment in which to rediscover his best form, with regular minutes likely to be prioritised as Sheffield United battle to improve their league position.

From Manchester City’s standpoint, subsidising wages appears a necessary compromise to facilitate a late agreement with the January transfer deadline fast approaching.

Negotiations are expected to intensify as Sheffield United attempt to fend off rival interest and finalise terms, while the move could represent a crucial reset for Phillips’ career ahead of a decisive summer regarding his longer-term future.