Aston Villa are reportedly interested in signing Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips this summer in what would be a club-record deal for the West Midlands side.
The 27-year-old made the switch from Leeds United to the Etihad in July but has struggled with a shoulder injury for large parts of the season, limiting him to just six Premier League appearances.
On top of this, City boss Pep Guardiola has preferred the likes of Rodri and Ilkay Gundogan in the Citizens midfield even when Phillips has been fit, meaning the former Leeds man has only started in cup competitions so far this term.
According to Football Insider, Europe-chasing Aston Villa are interested in bringing Phillips to Villa Park ahead of next season, with manager Unai Emery believing the England international could transform his team's midfield.
The report also claims that Manchester City would be looking to get £45m for Phillips if he were to depart in the summer window - a fee which would break Villa's transfer record by over £10m.
Emery's men have catapulted themselves into contention for a place in Europe next season following four straight wins in the Premier League, with the Villans now sitting sixth in the league standings, only six points behind fifth-placed Tottenham Hotspur.
Carter White
