fears he would tarnish his reputation with Leeds United supporters by joining and therefore favours a move to .
The Red Devils are keen on signing the England to bolster their midfield, which requires stregthening as and Paul Pogba are set to leave the club.
Phillips missed four months of last season with a hamstring problem but his energy and intensity levels are exactly what Erik ten Hag wants to bring to United, while Ralf Rangnick bemoaned the side’s lack of physicality.
However, Leeds’ survival in the Premier League has made prising Phillips away from Elland Road even more difficult and he would not be forgiven for joining the club’s arch rivals.
The therefore claim that he prefers a move to the Etihad, should he decide to leave Leeds this summer.
Pep Guardiola has identified him as a replacement for Fernandinho, who is leaving the club after nine years in the north-west.
City are interested in West Ham’s Declan Rice but the Hammers want £150m for the England international, meaning Phillips is a more affordable target.
City have already signed Erling Haaland for around £60m, while Julian Alvarez is set to arrive from River Plate in a deal worth up to £15m.
United want to conduct their transfer business early as Ten Hag targets a central defender, a central midfielder, a right-back and a centre forward.
, .
, and .
