Manchester United Rumors: Club Identifies 'More Realistic' Midfielder Transfer Target Over Declan Rice

Manchester United is in desperate need of an upgrade at midfield, and the latest rumors suggest a surprising target from a fierce rival.

It is now rumored that the Red Devils are planning to go after Leeds United’s Kalvin Phillips in next summer’s transfer window.

According to ESPN, Manchester United scouts were told to go and find alternatives for West Ham United’s Declan Rice after the David Moyes-led side placed a massive price tag of £80-90 million ($93.6-105.3 million) on his head.

Manchester United officials have also been skeptical as to whether Rice will be the midfielder the solution to their woes at the position according to the same report.

Red Devils manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been an admirer of Rice, but a transfer may be difficult to work out by next summer's transfer window.

The decision to go after Phillips comes as a shock to Leeds United fans as they still consider Manchester United as one of their fiercest rivals.

However, that did not prevent them from poaching away Leeds United talent in the past.

Manchester United legends Eric Cantona, Rio Ferdinand and Alan Smith all played for Leeds United before opting to join the Old Trafford side.

Phillips was a major part of Leeds United’s promotion to the English Premier League after a decade away from England’s top-flight league.

He also featured heavily in England’s run to the finals of the 2020 Euros as manager Gareth Southgate allowed Phillips to shine in the midfield alongside Rice.

Manchester United has been linked to Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham, but it seems like Liverpool will be where he goes next.

However, there could be difficulty in snapping up the 25-year-old Phillips to join them at Old Trafford.

Born in Leeds, Phillips grew up a fan of the club plus a player of his caliber would be much more scrutinized in today’s game.

It is thought that Leeds United has valued Phillips’ contract to be in the region of £60 million ($82.2 million)

Sources have said that Manchester United’s plan for this past transfer window was to sign a forward and defender, materializing in the signings of Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane.

Other than the rumored Phillips pursuit next summer, they are also hoping to sign prolific youngster Erling Haaland from Borussia Dortmund, despite unexpectedly bringing back Cristiano Ronaldo this year.