'I think we'll struggle' - Kalvin Phillips issue raised as Sheffield United chase deal | OneFootball

Sheffield United fans would 'love' to have Kalvin Phillips back on loan from Man City but they Chris Wilder is expected to 'struggle' in one aspect...

Kalvin Phillips has been linked with another potential move to Sheffield United, with the Man City midfielder turning out for Chris Wilder's side just three times after arriving on loan in January.

The former Leeds United star was outstanding for Marcelo Bielsa, with the Whites competing with Sheffield United for promotion in 2018/19. He even got his big-money move off the back of that form to join Man City.

It's been a difficult time for him since crossing the Pennines, with Phillips playing 32 games in four years and instead joining Ipswich Town and West Ham United on loan before his stint at Bramall Lane.

After a red card in the derby with Sheffield Wednesday, he was not seen again for United. Injuries and fitness problems have prevented the 30-year-old from returning to action. However, that hasn't stopped Wilder from fancying another reunion in South Yorkshire.

The Sheffield United verdict on re-signing Kalvin Phillips from Man City

Sheffield United have been backed to sign Phillips from Man City again this summer but further details have emerged regarding his future in Manchester, even with Pep Guardiola departing the club in the summer.

Man City could sanction another loan for Phillips with the Blades, as the midfield depth at Bramall Lane has depleted somewhat after Tom Davies, Jairo Riedewald, and Djibril Soumare have departed at the end of the 2025/26 season.

Football League World has asked their Sheffield United fan pundit Jimmy from Blades Ramble about the fact they are actively working on a deal for Phillips. We asked if it would be a big coup if they could land him permanently in his eyes instead.

He said: "It all depends on the deal because signing Kalvin Phillips permanently is a coup.

"That is not something I would argue. How much of our now much smaller budget does that take up? I don't honestly think it's likely that we get him permanently.

"I think there is much more chance of him joining on a loan deal and similar to the terms he was on last season.

"And then if he regains some value by having a good season with us, then he goes into the final year of his Man City contract still worth something.

"I would love the option to make it permanent, but I think that's as close as we are going to get. I think we'll struggle.

"That's just because of the wages he's on. I don't think we can get anywhere close to it."

Kalvin Phillips is a no-brainer for Chris Wilder and Sheffield United

No matter what way you want to look at it, re-signing Phillips would represent a major statement of intent from Sheffield United ahead of a promotion push. Although his first spell at Bramall Lane yielded just three appearances under Wilder, Phillips remains a player with proven Premier League and international pedigree.

His fitness is a concern but, at Championship level, his ability to dictate play from the base of midfield, break up attacks, and provide real leadership could make him one of the division's standout midfielders if he rediscovers his best form shown with Leeds and England in 2018-2022.

His experience of competing at the highest level would also be invaluable in a dressing room targeting an immediate return to the top flight. However, there is one obvious concern in the long-term for Sheffield United, as alluded to by Jimmy.