Sheffield United target summer deal for Manchester City midfielder | OneFootball

Manchester City are expected to receive fresh transfer interest from Sheffield United this summer for out-of-favour midfielder Kalvin Phillips, according to reports.

Following the historic conclusion of the Pep Guardiola era, incoming head coach Enzo Maresca and Sporting Director Hugo Viana are set to officially take charge as a duo within the City Football Academy in the coming days.

While City wrapped up their 2025/26 campaign on a high by securing a domestic cup double, trimming down the fringe elements of the playing squad remains a financial priority before the new season begins.

The former Leeds United talisman has endured a deeply complex journey since his £42 million arrival in East Manchester back in 2022, struggling to establish consistency or regular game time in a heavily competitive midfield.

Following successive loan moves to West Ham and a spell with Ipswich, Phillips spent the latter half of the recent campaign searching for rhythm under Chris Wilder’s stewardship.

With senior figureheads locking down long-term contract extensions at City ahead of the fast-approaching FIFA World Cup, finding a permanent home for the 31-cap England international is viewed as the best path forward for all involved.

Kalvin Phillips to be offered Championship revival route?

Now, according MailSport’s Simon Jones, Sheffield United are working on a deal to re-sign Kalvin Phillips from Manchester City after his short-term loan spell during the second-half of the 2025/26 season.

Having had the Englishman as part of his squad, Bramall Lane manager Chris Wilder is reportedly keen on keeping Phillips for another shot at Premier League promotion next season.

Make-or-break season for Phillips?

The push from the South Yorkshire outfit indicates a strong level of internal belief in the midfielder’s attributes, despite highly disruptive, stop-start loan experiences and last four years associated with Manchester City.

While Phillips’ temporary stay at Bramall Lane featured challenging physical hurdles – including a straight red card during the Steel City derby against Sheffield Wednesday – Wilder remains thoroughly convinced that his top-flight pedigree and dressing-room presence are invaluable assets.

The Blades are likely to initially explore the financial feasibility of a season-long loan structure containing an option to buy, allowing them to shield themselves against heavy financial outlays.

Hugo Viana is likely to be keen to navigate negotiations swiftly, avoiding a prolonged saga that could prevent Phillips from having clarity on his own future deep into August and by the start of the new domestic season.