Manchester City reportedly intend to retain the services of Kalvin Phillips this summer.
When Phillips departed Leeds United for the Etihad Stadium last year, big things were expected from the £45m signing after starring at his boyhood club.
However, the England international has instead endured one of the most frustrating campaigns of his career, making just 13 appearances in all competitions.
The majority of those outings have come from the substitutes' bench, with a total of 354 minutes being accumulated since the start of August.
While a shoulder injury led to a prolonged period on the sidelines, Phillips has also never found himself in favour with Pep Guardiola.
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Although the 27-year-old possesses a contract until 2028, there have been suggestions that a quick exit from City could become a possibility later this year.
At a time when City have been linked with new additions for the middle of the pitch, Phillips is known to have admirers at his former club Leeds United and West Ham United.
Nevertheless, according to Football Insider, City have no intention of allowing Phillips to depart the club during the summer transfer window.
As well as City taking that stance, the report adds that Phillips would prefer to spend at least another year at the Premier League giants in a bid to prove his quality and fitness.
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Despite featuring for just 50 minutes for City in March, Phillips was given a chance to make an impact for England in their World Cup qualifier in Italy last week.
For just the second time this year, Phillips completed the 90 minutes as the Three Lions battled their way to a 2-1 victory in Naples.
Phillips was not used for the second match with Ukraine, yet the 26-cap international will deem his selection versus the Azzurri to be a step in the right direction.
With the futures of Ilkay Gundogan and Bernardo Silva in doubt, Phillips could move up the pecking order in due course, although Guardiola is said to be keen on securing a deal for Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham.
Darren Plant
