Everton has expressed interest in signing Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips, sources reveal to Football Insider.
With Amadou Onana in advanced discussions to join Aston Villa, the Merseyside club is targeting Phillips to fill the defensive midfield role. Manchester City, looking to offload the 28-year-old who joined from Leeds United for £42 million in 2022, is open to a deal.
Although Everton has not yet made a formal offer, manager Sean Dyche and recruitment chief Kevin Thelwell are keen on revitalizing Phillips’ career after his underwhelming loan spell at West Ham. Dyche prefers a seasoned Premier League player who can immediately bolster the starting lineup.
Onana’s imminent departure to Aston Villa for approximately £50 million leaves Everton with a significant gap in their midfield. Phillips, known as the ‘Yorkshire Pirlo’ during his tenure at Leeds, was instrumental in their promotion to the Premier League and played a key role in England’s Euro 2020 campaign.
Despite his struggles at Manchester City, Phillips remains a proven talent in the Premier League, making him a valuable target for Everton as they look to strengthen their squad for the upcoming season.