Liverpool are reportedly considering a summer move for Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips.
The 27-year-old's form for Leeds United and England led to a host of speculation surrounding his future, with a number of clubs believed to have been interested in signing him last year.
Man City ultimately won the race for the midfielder, but it has been a difficult campaign for Phillips, who has featured on only 16 occasions in all competitions at club level.
The Englishman has only started twice for the Citizens this term, with his seven Premier League appearances and three Champions League outings coming off the bench.
Phillips's lack of action has led to suggestions that he could be on the move just 12 months after joining the Premier League champions on a long-term contract.
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Aston Villa have been credited with an interest in the midfielder, with Unai Emery's side now in the mix to secure European football for the 2023-24 campaign.
However, according to the Daily Star, Liverpool are also in the hunt for his signature, with the Reds viewing Phillips as an alternative to Borussia Dortmund's Jude Bellingham.
At one stage, Jurgen Klopp's team were viewed as the favourites for Bellingham, but the Merseyside outfit have now dropped their interest due to the cost of the deal, which is likely to be in excess of £100m.
Man City are now thought to be the favourites for Bellingham alongside Real Madrid, and the youngster's arrival at the Etihad Stadium could lead to Phillips being sold.
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The report claims that Liverpool are prepared to pay £35m for Phillips, who is aware of the interest from Anfield and is open to joining the club during the summer window.
There will be huge changes in the Liverpool midfield this summer, with Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain both preparing to leave the club on free transfers.
James Milner also only has a contract at Anfield until the end of June, while Arthur will return to parent club Juventus after an unsuccessful loan spell with the English club.
Phillips starred for Leeds before making the move to Man City, featuring on 234 occasions for the Whites, scoring 14 goals and registering 13 assists in the process.
Meanwhile, the midfielder has been capped on 26 occasions by England, playing a key role in the national team's run to the Euro 2020 final, but he featured just twice at the 2022 World Cup.
Matt Law
