Kalvin Phillips is reportedly considering leaving the Premier League amid interest from clubs in four different countries.
The 28-year-old is widely expected to leave Manchester City this summer after failing to establish himself as a first-team regular since joining the club almost two seasons ago.
Phillips has played just 31 times for Pep Guardiola's side and was sent on loan to West Ham United in January in search of regular game time to enhance his chances of making the England squad for Euro 2024.
However, the midfielder has been omitted from Gareth Southgate's provisional squad after failing to make the desired impact at the London Stadium, featuring just 10 times during the second half of the campaign, and the Hammers allegedly have no interest in signing him on a permanent basis.
A recent report claimed that Everton are prepared to offer Phillips a Premier League lifeline, while boyhood club Leeds United, who lost in the Championship playoff final, have also been credited with an interest.
© Reuters
Phillips considering moving abroad?
However, according to The Sun, Phillips is open to the idea of moving abroad in the hope of resurrecting his career in his prime years.
The report adds that German club RB Leipzig, Italian outfit Roma and Austrian side Red Bull Salzburg are all keeping tabs on the midfielder's situation.
A separate report from Sport claims that Phillips has offered himself to La Liga giants Barcelona and is 'convinced' that their style of play would 'suit his game like a glove'.
However, Barca's financial predicament could prove to be a stumbling block for Phillips, who is valued by Man City between £30m and £40m.
© Reuters
Who holds the advantage in the race for Phillips?
In recent years, more and more English players have been moving abroad to test themselves away from the Premier League and lower divisions, and the Bundesliga has been a popular destination for a number of players.
Having secured Champions League football for next season, RB Leipzig will be hoping to attract their desired targets, as will their sister club and Austrian champions Red Bull Salzburg, who are now managed by Liverpool's former assistant coach Pep Lijnders.
However, both clubs could fall behind Roma in the race for Phillips's signature, as the Serie A giants already have two Englishmen on their books who could help the midfielder settle into life in Italy.
Former Manchester United defender Chris Smalling has spent the last four years at Roma, while Tammy Abraham joined I Giallorossi three seasons ago from Chelsea.
Roma boss Daniele De Rossi, a midfield maestro in his playing days, is thought to be in the market for a new midfielder to provide competition for the likes of Bryan Cristante, Houssem Aouar and Leandro Paredes.
Oliver Thomas
