Former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson has warned Leeds United and England midfield enforcer Kalvin Phillips against a move to Manchester United, insisting he wouldn't win trophies at Old Trafford unless there has been a change in manager.
Phillips, who played a key role in helping England reach the final of the European Championship during the summer, is one of the most-wanted players in the Premier League, with no shortage of clubs believed to be tracking his signature.
It is claimed that United, who do, of course, want to strengthen their defensive-midfield options next year, are amongst his suitors and would be interested in luring him to Old Trafford.
However, it was reported by the national media earlier this week that Liverpool are prepared to go toe-to-toe with the Reds in the race to land the Leeds midfielder, who is valued at £60million.
Amid the ongoing links concerning Phillips' future, Sky Sports pundit Merson has advised the Leeds ace to join Liverpool instead of United if it boils down to being a choice between those two clubs.
"Kalvin Phillips should join Liverpool, not Manchester United," Merson told the Daily Star. "But I don’t think he takes either of those teams to another level.
"He’s a good player who would play every week whichever one he signs for. But not a gamechanger.
"If he goes to Anfield he will still be remembered as a Leeds United hero. But if he goes to Old Trafford that all goes out the window. And a Leeds United player going to Manchester United? Wow. He better start well. That’s pressure.
"It all depends who the manager is by then as well. United are miles behind Liverpool. Unless they change the manager, he’s not winning trophies there.
"I think he plays every week for either club, personally. But I don’t think it will just be those two teams after him. If Leeds sell him next summer there will be an auction."
As reported by the Manchester Evening News last month, West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice is United's top target to bolster their defensive-midfield options.
Rice, who starred alongside Phillips in the holding midfield role for England during the European Championship, has gone from strength-to-strength in the last two years or so and is considered as one of the very best in his position.
Merson agrees with United's aspirations of signing Rice, insisting he would be "trying his hardest" to get him signed up.
He continued: "I honestly believe United should be trying to get Declan Rice from West Ham instead. I would be trying my hardest to get him.
"I’m not saying Rice is a better player but he’s a different kind of player. A proper holding midfielder. And that’s what United are crying out for. Rice ticks that box."
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