Fabrizio Romano issues Kalvin Phillips transfer update involving Leeds United and Fulham | OneFootball

Reports linking Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips to Leeds United are premature at this stage, according to Fabrizio Romano's Daily Briefing.

Phillips, 28, was born in Leeds and started his career with the Whites, rising from the academy to the first team and playing a key role in helping the club secure a return to the Premier League.

Even playing in the Euros final for England whilst he was still at Elland Road, he represented Leeds brilliantly and richly deserved his move to Man City back in the summer of 2022.

Unfortunately for him, he has been unable to push on since then, failing to establish himself as a key player at the Etihad Stadium before moving to West Ham United on loan in January.

His temporary switch to the London Stadium hasn't worked out either, even being involved in an incident with some supporters last month following a disappointing display against Newcastle United.

The midfielder will need to reassess his future in the summer - but it may take a big fee for a club to lure him away from City this summer - even with his disappointing performances in mind.

With his contract at the Etihad not expiring until the summer of 2028, that puts Pep Guardiola's side in an extremely strong negotiating position and having spent a reported £42m on him, they won't want to make too much of a loss on the midfielder despite his current struggles.

There have been plenty of rumours flying about regarding his future - but transfer insider Romano has poured cold water on some reports.

He wrote: "From what I understand, all reports linking the player [Phillips] with the likes of Leeds and Fulham are really premature as nothing has been decided and nothing is concrete.

"This is not [the] kind of deal for April or May; Leeds’ full focus is not on the market but on the Championship now as they chase promotion back to the Premier League."

Leeds United can have the best of both worlds in their promotion quest

Focusing on the short term will be important because the automatic promotion race is so tight at the moment.

However, other figures behind the scenes can focus on the longer term.

The recruitment team will surely be preparing for life in the Premier League and the Championship - and may already have some potential targets lined up ahead of the summer.

Regardless of which league they are in, they need to be fully prepared for the summer, either in their quest to get back to the top flight at the second time of asking or to give themselves the best chance of remaining afloat in the top tier.

With all of the staff they have at the club, they can focus on the short term, whilst also lining up some targets.