Manchester City have planned to hold direct talks with Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips in the near future ahead of a move this summer, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The England international has been heavily linked with a move away from his boyhood club this summer, with Manchester United being credited with an interest in the 26-year-old in the past.
However, it has emerged recently that Pep Guardiola wishes to take Phillips to the Premier League champions during the current transfer window.
Although, Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain have emerged as rivals for his signature in recent days, despite Phillips reportedly informing Leeds that he wishes to join City ahead of the 2022-23 campaign.
It was rumoured that City were planning on stepping up talks with Leeds after Phillips concluded his international duty with England this summer, but transfer expert Romano has now claimed that Guardiola's side will hold "direct" talks with the midfielder in the coming days.
Tweeting from his official Twitter account on Saturday, Romano said: "Manchester City plan for the midfield includes Rodri's new contract to be discussed by the end of the year - already approved by Pep Guardiola.
"New midfielder will also join City this summer. Kalvin Phillips, still top of the list - direct talks will take place soon."
City are on the lookout for a new midfielder this summer to replace the departing Fernandinho, who will leave the Etihad Stadium upon the expiration of his contract on June 30 following nine years in Manchester.
Meanwhile, as Romano suggested, Guardiola is keen to tie down the future of Rodri this summer as well, with whom he is hoping to partner Phillips in his City starting 11 next season.
Matthew Tranter
