Klopp to battle Pep Guardiola for £60m PL star after Tchouameni blow

Liverpool Transfer News: Jurgen Klopp to battle Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola for Kalvin Phillips

According to transfer news on the Mirror, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is prepared to go toe-to-toe with Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola for signing Leeds United star Kalvin Phillips.

The Reds were keen to sign Aurelien Tchouameni from AS Monaco. However, the 22-year-old Frenchman seems to be heading to Real Madrid this summer.

The Whites would understandably want to keep hold of their star midfielder, even more so after surviving the drop this season. However, they are aware that the lure of Champions League football could prove to be too enticing for the 26-year-old midfielder.

He has gone from strength to strength during his time at Elland Road. Last year saw Phillips make England’s squad for the 2020 UEFA Euros and he is one of the names in contention to make the plane to Qatar for the FIFA World Cup this summer.

There is no doubt that he is one of the hottest properties in English football right now. His partnership with Declan Rice for the Three Lions shows that he can hack it amongst the big boys as well.

What next for Kalvin Phillips and LFC?

Leeds can’t boast of being a ‘big club’ right now, after all- especially when names such as Manchester City and Liverpool are in the conversation. A move to either of the two virtually guarantees European football and a shot at winning silverware.

And both teams can use a midfielder of his skillset and age profile right now. While Fernandinho is well past his prime for the Cityzens, Liverpool are also tasked with finding a long-term successor for stars such as Jordan Henderson and Thiago Alcantara.

The two are playing some of their best football right now, but it remains to be seen just how long they can keep that up given their age. James Milner is set to leave as a free agent this summer while Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is linked with a move away from Anfield.

Amidst this, it would be really wise on Liverpool’s part if they go all out for Phillips. Not only would it mean strengthening their own midfield for the short and long term, but also potentially taking a very skilful player off the hands of rival boss Pep Guardiola.

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The Reds could have to pay around £60million to sign him. That is by no means an inexpensive fee, but quality doesn’t come cheap these days.