Kalvin Phillips' Sheffield Utd return: Sky Sports reveal new terms as breakthrough nears | OneFootball

Sheffield United are targeting a move for Kalvin Phillips this summer

Sheffield United are planning for another season in the Championship after a disappointing second year in the division.

The Blades reached the play-off final 12 months ago, but were only good enough to finish 13th in this campaign.

Chris Wilder’s side were 13 points adrift of sixth place Hull City, who went on to win promotion to the Premier League with a 1-0 win over Middlesbrough at Wembley Stadium.

Sheffield United will be keen to bridge the gap to the top teams over the summer by improving their first team squad in the transfer market.

The Yorkshire outfit could be set for a busy few months ahead, as they will want to get back into the mix for promotion.

The Championship side will be helped by the play-offs expanding from next season to include the top eight.

Sheffield United’s Kalvin Phillips talks

It has been reported by Sky Sports that Sheffield United have entered talks with Manchester City for what is likely to be another loan for Kalvin Phillips.

It’s believed that another temporary deal is the expected outcome of any agreement, with two years still remaining on the midfielder’s contract.

Phillips signed for the Premier League side in the 2022 transfer window in a deal worth £45 million, but he has struggled for game time in the four years since.

The 30-year-old spent the second half of this season on loan with Sheffield United, but only featured three times in the Championship due to a combination of injuries and suspension.

However, Wilder is keen to bring him back to Bramall Lane for next season, and another loan is now on the table.

Sheffield United have already made the decision to not renew Jairo Riedewald’s contract beyond the summer, which came as a surprise to many supporters.

But Phillips could take his place in the side, if a deal can be struck with Man City to bring him back to Bramall Lane.

The departure of Pep Guardiola is not expected to provide a stumbling block in the Blades’ talks with the Premier League side.

Enzo Maresca is the front-runner to take over at the Etihad after the Catalan coach called time on his spell in charge of the club.

Phillips has made a total of 16 league appearances for Man City since arriving from Leeds United four years ago.

The midfielder has spent time on loan with Ipswich Town and West Ham, as well as Sheffield United.

Kalvin Phillips needs to prove his fitness in Sheffield United return

Phillips has struggled for consistent game time in the four years since his move to the Etihad, and this bore fruit during his initial loan spell at Bramall Lane.

If Wilder is going to make this move a success, then he will need to do everything he can to ensure the midfielder is consistently available for selection.

A fully fit Phillips could be a great addition for next season, particularly given his experience of competing at the highest level, but it would be a great risk to expect him to play 90 minutes every week.

Holding onto the likes of Ollie Arblaster and Sydie Peck will also be crucial to making this deal work, as that pair will be key to a strong Championship campaign next year.