Kalvin Phillips could make Leeds United return as Pep Guardiola gives green light

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Leeds United remain at the top of the Championship despite Sunday’s loss to Portsmouth and The 49ers will still be planning for a Premier League campaign next season, despite the blow.

With Sheffield United and Burnley winning on Saturday, Leeds had to secure three points down south at Portsmouth. But, Colby Bishop’s strike proved to be the only goal of the game as Pompey won 1-0.

Leeds had plenty of chances and on another day could easily have scored two or three goals. Joel Piroe uncharacteristically missed two big chances, while Dan James, Junior Firpo and Sam Byram almost scored.

When Leeds return to the pitch they could be in third, if Sheffield United avoid defeat against Bristol City and Burnley beat West Brom. But promotion looks likely and Leeds are compiling a list of transfer targets.

• READ MORE: Patrick Bamford’s October prediction is now spot on, unfortunately for Leeds

Leeds scouts sent to watch Kalvin Phillips ahead of summer move

The Sun claim Leeds United’s scouts have been watching Kalvin Phillips’ performances for Ipswich Town ahead of a sensational summer move, in which the Thorp Arch academy star may return to Elland Road.

It is said Phillips will leave Manchester City in the summer where he has little to no future, and it could be in the form of a third loan exit. The £150k-a-week star joined West Ham on loan in January last season.

Leeds are eyeing up a potential return for Phillips, three years after he left the club to join Man City for a fee of £45m. But focus will be on promotion and if Leeds fail to go up, they can forget signing Phillips.

What Kalvin Phillips has said about a possible Leeds United return

At the start of the 2024-25 season, Kieran McKenna surprised many by pulling off an ambitious move to land Phillips on loan. Shortly after, Phillips was asked by the East Anglian Daily Times about his move.

Kalvin Phillips’ career in numbers:

He was posed with the question, would he have joined Leeds if The Whites had beaten Ipswich in the race for promotion – or who he would have chosen, if both Leeds and Ipswich had gone up during 2023-24.

Phillips claims it would have been a “close call” because Leeds remain “very close” to his heart. If Leeds do go up, Phillips may have the chance to return and surely given his failed City move, he’d jump at it.