The Manchester Evening News says Manchester United are putting together a bid for Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips.

United are in dire need of a holding midfielder to offer protection to the back four and help progress play up the pitch.

It’s claimed United are ‘advancing on an intended deal to sign Phillips’ as he prepares to leave Leeds this summer for a club offering European football.

The 26-year-old has developed into one of the finest midfielders the Premier League has to offer at present. And given he is a boyhood Leeds fan, prising him away from Elland Road won’t be easy.

Phillips would also marry well with Ralf Rangnick’s vision of the type of players he wishes to sign. Rangnick will take up a consultancy role upon being relieved by Ten Hag and advising on transfers will be within his remit.

The German is seeking ‘hungry players’ who are looking for a ‘progressive career move’. Even with United’s struggles this season, few could argue moving from Leeds to United wouldn’t be a step up.

Ten Hag reportedly has the power to veto any players United’s recruitment team have shortlisted. Though the fact United are working on a deal right now would suggest he is on board with signing Phillips.