Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips has revealed that a potential move to rivals Manchester United was never an option for him due to his allegiance with boyhood club Leeds United.
The 26-year-old was targeted by both City and United along with a host of other Premier League clubs this summer, but Pep Guardiola's side won the race for his signature.
After 12 years with Leeds, Phillips has put pen to paper on a six-year contract at the Etihad Stadium in a deal worth an initial £42m.
Phillips was identified by Guardiola as his primary midfield target following the departure of Fernandinho, who has returned to his native Brazil and joined Athletico Paranaense on a free transfer.
The England international has revealed that he was "honoured" to hear of interest from Man United, and while the likes of Rio Ferdinand and Eric Cantona have previously made the switch from Leeds to Old Trafford, the midfielder has stated that a move to the Red Devils was never on the cards.
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"Going to United? No, there was never any chance of me going there," Phillips told reporters. "You know my loyalty to Leeds, my family as well, they're all Leeds fans.
"I was honoured by United wanting me, such a big team – one of the biggest teams in the world. But no, I had to stay loyal to Leeds and choose to go to the other side of Manchester.
"It's just the way I am, the way I think and the way I'll always be. I want to be loyal to the people who've given me the biggest opportunity in the world. Leeds were the first team to sign me, I made sure that was one of the main things I'd do."
Phillips is one of four signings to have been made by Guardiola ahead of the new campaign, along with Erling Braut Haaland, Stefan Ortega and Julian Alvarez, and the midfielder has expressed his excitement to work under the Spanish boss at City.
"It was the opportunity to be coached by Pep even if it's just for a year or hopefully longer," Phillips added.
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"I know he's a great manager and he'll elevate my game to a level I want to be at, and be involved in teams fighting for trophies.
"Also just be around players that make you a better player every single day. The opportunity I was given was one I couldn't turn down.
"It's been nice to see Erling and speak to him about Leeds and where I'm from and where he was born. He's a big fan of Leeds, so he tells me. But I don't know if he's more Leeds than City though."
Phillips made his non-competitive debut for Man City in their 2-1 pre-season victory over Club America on Thursday and he is expected to feature in their final warm-up match against Bayern Munich on Sunday.
The Yorkshireman, who made 232 appearances for Leeds, could make his competitive debut against Liverpool in the Community Shield at the King Power Stadium on July 30.
Oliver Thomas
