Journalist Dean Jones has claimed that Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips may be keen to join Aston Villa because of Steven Gerrard.
Phillips has suffered from injuries this season which has meant he has featured just 12 times in the Premier League, not featuring at all for his side this year. He has been hugely missed this campaign as the Whites find themselves amongst a relegation scrap, sitting just two places above the drop zone.
The 26-year-old midfielder was linked with a move to Villa in January but a deal failed to go through, and Dean Jones has claimed to GIVEMESPORT, that Gerrard’s side have the credentials that he will be looking for.
“I think if Kalvin Phillips were to leave Leeds, he would be looking for certain aspects to fit what he’s looking for. Aston Villa have got Steven Gerrard and that, obviously, is a massive positive for them in terms of persuading him. They’re going to be pushing for European football from this point on and that’s the aim, so that’ll suit him,” Jones said.
Partner for McGinn?
John McGinn has been a mainstay in the Aston Villa side since he signed in 2018, he has made 138 appearances in a Villa shirt, but has failed to find a suitable midfield partner in this period.
Douglas Luiz has been occupying the midfield role next to McGinn this season, he has featured 25 times in the Premier League, but there are rumours that he will exit Villa Park in the summer meaning Gerrard will have to find a replacement to play next to the Scott.
Phillips is a holding midfielder, whilst McGinn can play a bit further forward and use his energy to get around the pitch, so they could form a suitable partnership.
Morgan Sanson Villa career over?
Morgan Sanson signed for Aston Villa from Marseille in January last year but has failed to make an impact in England since – he has featured just nine times in the Premier League this season, starting just two times for his side.
If the “unique” Phillips was brought in the door at Villa Park, then Sanson would slip even further down the pecking order, meaning he will be getting even less game time than currently, so he could well be shown the door by Gerrard.