Former Leeds United Star Closing On Sheffield United Move With Key Factor Identified | OneFootball

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The midfielder came through the Whites’ academy and stayed at the club for 12 long years before his eventual departure.

He was a top performer when Manchester City snapped him up back in 2022 for a hefty £42m from the Yorkshire club on a significant six-year deal.

However, one former White was unhappy with the transfer fee when he and Raphinha left the club in the same transfer window.

The ex-England international has had a terrible time at the Cityzens, as he has played only 32 games for them in over four years at the Etihad.

The defensive midfielder was loaned out to West Ham United and Ipswich Town to help him get up to speed, but that did not work.

Phillips, 30, did not make Manchester City’s Premier League matchday squad once all season so far, even though Pep Guardiola’s side had some injuries.

Now, though, he is inching closer to his third loan spell away from the Manchester club as Sheffield United are in pole position.

It has been suggested that the experienced defensive midfielder is close to reaching an agreement to join the Blades on loan.

More clubs were keen on the ex-Leeds man, but he wants a move to Chris Wilder’s side as he wants to return to Yorkshire.

Phillips desire to return to Yorkshire resulting in a move to Sheffield United suggests the prospect of a switch to Leeds was not on the table.

He had great success in Yorkshire, with Leeds, where he played close to 250 senior games, and was a regular in England’s engine room.

However, following his move to Manchester four years ago, Phillips has not appeared for England in three years, failing to add to his 31 Three Lions caps.

Phillips’ current deal runs until the summer of 2028, and it remains to be seen if the former White will be able to get his career back on track if he completes his move to Yorkshire by the end of the day.