Kalvin Phillips is finalising a new loan move to Sheffield United after being left off Manchester City's squad list to tour Asia. Chris Wilder is keen to re-sign the 30-year-old, who has two years left on his contract, despite a difficult loan spell last season.
Phillips made just three appearances for Sheffield United last term and was sent off on his last appearance for the club, in a Steel City derby win over Sheffield Wednesday.
Phillips has endured a torrid time since joining City for £42 million from Leeds United and is keen to kickstart his career. The former England international, who has 31 caps, previously had loan spells with West Ham and Ipswich in the Premier League before linking up with Sheffield United in January.
Including his loan moves, he has made a total of 46 league appearances since joining City almost four years ago.
Wilder's pitch to Phillips
Talking to BBC Radio Sheffield towards the end of the season, Wilder said: "He'll have a lot of people still after him. We've brought a really good pro in. He was unlucky with his injury and he's not played as much as he wanted to play."
"I spoke to him and said we'd love to be an option for you, your agent and your parent club if that is a possibility," Wilder said. "He certainly ticks the box in terms of personality and characteristics, off the pitch and on it. If there's an opportunity I'm sure we'll try and explore that one."
Grealish also absent
Jack Grealish has also been left out of City's pre-season tour as he continues his rehabilitation and individual training programme. Grealish joined Everton on loan at the start of last season and scored two goals with six assists during the early months of the campaign.
In January he suffered a stress fracture during a game against his former club Aston Villa, which required surgery. The injury ended his season and his World Cup hopes, and he stayed at Everton until the end of the campaign to undergo rehabilitation.
He has since returned to City, posting a picture of himself on the grass last week with the caption: "Nice to see everyone, am nearly there! Hopefully not long now till back training for good." Saudi Arabia has shown interest, Everton are aware of his situation, and a decision on his future is likely to come later in the window.
Savinho's Tottenham push
Savinho also wants to push through his move to Tottenham, but City maintain his valuation has not been met and want a replacement before letting the 22-year-old leave. Sources at Tottenham indicate City's valuation has changed since initial talks.
City have considered Ibrahim Mbaye of PSG and Chelsea's Pedro Neto as potential wing additions.
