Dimitar Berbatov has urged Manchester United to sign rumoured Liverpool target Kalvin Phillips, claiming he is destined to leave Leeds United “for a bigger club”.
Ole Gunnar Solksjaer's side have already signed Jadon Sancho but now Berbatov has told his former club to focus on his England team-mate in what promises to be a busy transfer window for the Red Devils.
Liverpool have been repeatedly linked to several names to replace Gini Wijnaldum despite the club's insistence that a new midfielder is not a priority.
Phillips has quickly solidified his position as one of Gareth Southgate's trusted lieutenants, becoming one of England's standout stars at Euro 2020 leading them to their first final in 55 years.
The 25-year-old has played all but 25 minutes of England's European Championship campaign and is expected to start alongside Declan Rice as England face Italy in Sunday's final.
Following Liverpool's injury crisis last season, Jurgen Klopp could be looking to bring in reinforcements this summer.
Last season's scramble to finish in the top four proved how crucial Henderson is to the side and the Reds urgently need a long-term replacement for the skipper.
Phillips could be the ideal candidate to step into the 31-year-old's shoes haven proven he is more than capable of doing so under Southgate.
“Kalvin Phillips stood out again too [in the 2-1 semi-final win over Denmark],” Berbatov told Betfair.
“He’s been one of the players of the tournament and, sooner or later, I expect him to leave Leeds for a bigger club.
“Offers will come in for him after the 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.”
However, both Liverpool and United are set to be disappointed as Phillips's manager and former Leeds player Kevin Sharp told the i newspaper the England international has no intention of leaving his boyhood club.
“Before Kalvin signed his last contract, we had good interest so we sat down and explored all the pros and cons,” said Sharp.
“His desire was never to leave, it was to be rewarded and stay and play for the team he supported as a kid.
“Within the contract he signed in September 2019, we included provisions within it for if Leeds reached the Premier League, so it’s all set up for the top flight.
“We knew it was a bit of a gamble, but we knew Leeds would get there under Bielsa and obviously they did.
“There may be clubs who are actually looking at Kalvin now because the more successful you are – playing for England in big tournaments – naturally breeds interest.
“But Kalvin is happy at Leeds and has no desire to move whatsoever. It’s more a case of ‘carry on what you’re doing for club and country’.”
