Aston Villa are reportedly still interested in bringing Manchester City's Kalvin Phillips to the club this summer, despite the midfielder vowing to make a mark at the Etihad.
The 27-year-old made the switch from Leeds United to Pep Guardiola's Citizens in July 2022 but has struggled for regular football amid injuries and the form of Rodri.
Phillips was handed his first Premier League start for City last weekend as they beat Frank Lampard's Chelsea on home soil, bumping his total league minutes this term up to 201.
According to Manchester Evening News, Aston Villa remain keen on bringing Phillips to Villa Park for next season, even though the player has made clear his desire to stay in Manchester.
It is believed that Unai Emery's Villans are hopeful the Citizens will be tempted to offload Phillips in order to increase their budget for incomings in the upcoming transfer window, with the former Arsenal boss a big fan of the midfielder.
Villa will be looking to secure a top-seven finish in the Premier League when Europa League-bound Brighton & Hove Albion visit the Second City on the final day - a win against the Seagulls would guarantee European football.
Carter White
