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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Ste McGovern

Dimitar Berbatov tells Manchester United to complete Kalvin Phillips transfer from Leeds United

DImitar Berbatov has made a potentially controversial transfer suggestion to Manchester United, by telling his former club he would like to see them sign Kalvin Phillips from rivals Leeds.

The midfielder had an excellent debut campaign in the Premier League, but he has really announced himself to the world stage during this summer's European Championship.

Phillips has featured in every one of England 's matches on the way to the final, playing all but 25 of the available 570 minutes.

The Yorkshireman has covered more ground (67.3km) and won more tackles (eight) than any of his international teammates, while only Kyle Walker (37) and John Stones (26) have completed more ball recoveries than him (25) in the squad.

It's that hard-working tenacity that has made him so central to Gareth Southgate's plans, and it should do the same for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer according to the former Manchester United striker.

"Kalvin Phillips stood out again too. He's been one of the players of the tournament and, sooner or later, I expect him to leave Leeds for a bigger club," the Bulgarian told Betfair .

"Offers will come in for him after tournament. He is playing with maturity, agility, knowing when to run with the ball and when to pass.

"I would like to see him sign for Manchester United."

The likelihood of such a move happening looks to be slim, as Marcelo Bielsa would be extremely opposed to selling arguably his most important player.

The last time United signed a fan favourite from Leeds in the form of Alan Smith, Whites fans were incensed and the move didn't particularly work out for the forward, who was converted to a midfield role by Sir Alex Ferguson.

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