Liverpool hero Steve McManaman backs Jurgen Klopp to sign Manchester City star Kalvin Phillips

Man City’s Kalvin Phillips won the treble last season but started just four games (Photo: Getty) Steve McManaman believes Liverpool could make a shock move for Manchester City star Kalvin Phillips should Fabinho leave Anfield. Fabinho looks set to depart Liverpool after five highly successful years after agreeing personal terms with Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad. While a fee is yet to be agreed, the defensive midfielder was left out of the Reds’ pre-season tour of Germany suggesting the transfer is imminent. Losing the Brazil international will create a glaring hole in Jurgen Klopp’s midfield, especially with Jordan Henderson also heavily-linked with a move to the Middle-East. Various replacements have been touted for a move to Anfield therefore, most notably Southampton’s Romeo Lavia, who, while admired, lacks experience and could prove to be too pricey. Another name who is reportedly on Klopp’s shortlist is Phillips, who only moved to rivals City last summer, costing Pep Guardiola £45million. The former Leeds star endured a tough first season at the Etihad despite winning the treble, with injuries limiting him to just four starts across all competitions while Rodri remains firmly ahead of the 27-year-old in the pecking order. Fabinho looks set to leave Liverpool for the Saudi pro League (Photo: Getty) Nevertheless, Phillips remains very highly-rated and McManaman, speaking to Betfred, thinks he’d be a good fit under Klopp, but only if the player was interested in a change of scenery. ‘If Liverpool lose Fabinho, then I believe that Kalvin’s name would come into the mix. He’s English, he’s an England international, he plays in that role and I don’t believe that Manchester City would expect a club to break the bank for him. ‘There may be a deal there to pursue and if Jurgen Klopp is to lose a defensive midfielder this summer, then a move for Kalvin could certainly be an option, but it all depends on whether Manchester City would be willing to let him go to a Premier League rival. More: Trending Wayne Rooney names three teams who will challenge Manchester City and Arsenal Wayne Rooney sends message to Mason Greenwood over his Man Utd future Kai Havertz mocked by Chelsea fans after scoring 0 in MLS All-Star skills challenge ‘Manchester City have brought in Mateo Kovacic after losing Ilkay Gundogan, so they still have a similar nucleus of players that were there last season, so it’s still up in the air, but a move for Kalvin could easily happen as he fits the profile of what Liverpool would need if Fabinho leaves. ‘He likes to work hard, he wants to prove a point, but it all depends on whether Pep Guardiola would be willing to let him join a rival and whether Kalvin would want to leave Manchester City after they’ve just won the treble.’ Phillips has recently opened up on his struggles since moving to City and has a contract with the champions until 2028. Liverpool ready to reject Luis Diaz transfer bid from Al Ittihad Liverpool hero Steve McManaman names Manchester City’s two biggest Premier League rivals next season For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
https://metro.co.uk/2023/07/19/liverpool-backed-to-sign-man-city-star-kalvin-phillips-if-fabinho-leaves-19154457/