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Premier League club side Aston Villa are reportedly planning a summer transfer swoop for Manchester City and England international Kalvin Phillips.
The 27-year-old midfielder has been identified by head coach Unai Emery as a transfer option to boost his midfield ahead of next season.
Phillips has had a disappointing first season at Manchester City since making a £42 million move from Leeds United last summer.
The English midfielder has since been used sparingly by head coach Pep Guardiola, making just 16 appearances across all competitions for the Citizens.
Kalvin Phillips has also only started just two games for City this season, as he currently finds himself down the pecking order of midfielders at the club.
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Meanwhile, City could be willing to cash in on the English midfielder amid interest from Aston Villa and have reportedly slapped a £45 million transfer fee on the player.
Should Villa themselves meet Manchester City's valuation for Phillips, it would be a club record for the English club who are currently sixth in the Premier League.
Emiliano Buendia currently holds the record for the most-expensive Villa transfer, following his £33 million move from Norwich City in the summer of 2021.
Pep Guardiola outlines the difference between Manchester City striker and Lionel Messi
The Citizens head coach recently heaped praise on star striker Erling Haaland following his recent performance against Southampton as he bagged a spectacular brace on his return from injury.
The Norwegian forward grabbed headlines for his side as he scored his 30 league goal of the season in Manchester City's 4-1 win over Southampton over the weekend.
Guardiola was quick to compare Haaland to former player Lionel Messi, whom he managed during his tenure as head coach of Barcelona. The Spanish tactician revealed that Haaland is always happy and puts on a smiling face in both good and bad moments.
"Haaland is always happy, always smiling," said the City boss. "Messi scored two but not three and was a bit sad because he didn't score a third! Erling is always in an incredible mood.
"Even in the bad moments in the beginning of this season when people said he couldn't adapt, he arrived at training with a big smile and said hi to everyone. He has had an incredible impact, not just on the pitch."
He continued:
"Every day in training sessions, in the locker room. I have the feeling that he is so happy with us. He never complains about [being taken off]. He respects me a lot."
Manchester City, meanwhile, are back in the title race after Arsenal only managed to secure a draw against Liverpool on Sunday, April 9. The reigning champions will lift the cup if they win all their remaining games, including a clash against the Gunners on April 26.
