Transfer Talk: Leeds star Phillips set to snub Red Devils

Leeds midfielder Kalvin Phillips has ruled out a move to Manchester United.

Phillips, 26, is said to be considering his future at Elland Road but is not willing to leave his boyhood club to join their fierce rivals across the Pennines.

In a further blow to Ralf Rangnick’s Red Devils, the Sun reports that Liverpool are waiting in the wings to secure the services of the England star.

Jurgen Klopp is said to be a huge admirer of the combative engine room operator, who caught the eye with a string of impressive performances at Euro 2020.

The Whites favourite is likely to be out injured until February with a hamstring problem sustained in Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Brentford.

Phillips is set to use this time on the sidelines to reflect on his preferred next club with an eye to securing regular Champions League football.

Marcelo Bielsa and the Leeds hierarchy are expected to demand a substantial fee for the Yorkshireman, who is contracted at the Premier League strugglers until 2024.

In other news

Ex-Liverpool man Gini Wijnaldum is pushing for a January loan move after just six months at Paris Saint-Germain.

Despite netting a brace in PSG’s 2-2 draw at RB Leipzig last month, the Dutch international is out of favour with coach Mauricio Pochettino and has started less than half of the French giants’ Ligue 1 games.

Sky Sports suggest Arsenal are willing to offer the 31-year-old a route out of Paris, with Marca reporting that former club Newcastle have also expressed interest.

The Magpies are also said to be battling with Everton for the signature of Aaron Ramsey.

The Star claims the Juventus midfielder was in line for a January move to St James’ Park, but the Toffees have now disrupted these plans.

Goodison Park boss Rafa Benitez has taken control of the club’s transfer policy following the sacking of director of football Marcel Brands and has identified the Welsh star as his first-choice pick.

Benitez may have to fight to keep Brazilian forward Richarlison on Merseyside, however.

Fichajes say Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has identified the 24-year-old as a replacement for the departing Alexandre Lacazette.