Report: Chelsea identify 26-year-old PL star as a target in midfield

Transfer News: Chelsea are keen on signing Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips

Chelsea are now interested in signing Kalvin Phillips, according to The Si & Dan Talk Chelsea Podcast (h/t Football.London), as they look to begin their summer spending after their recent change in ownership.

Phillips is also wanted by both Manchester clubs- Man United United and Man City this summer, and the England international may be willing to go if the right deal comes through the door.

Jorginho and N’Golo Kante are not getting any younger and if they fail to renew their deals, then the Blues risk losing both of them as free agents by next summer.

Phillips had a rough season with Leeds, missing a significant amount of action due to injury. The Yorkshire club had a difficult season as a whole, but they were able to keep their Premier League status on the last day.

Marcelo Bielsa, a gruelling and demanding football coach, has helped the English midfielder strengthen his skills. This appears to have instilled in the 26-year-old a strong work ethic while also assisting in the tactical development of his game.

Phillips to Chelsea?

While Jorginho and Kante have offered a calming presence in the centre of the park on most occasions, the club would do well to add another defensive-minded midfielder to their squad with the future in mind, given that both players are now in their 30s.

A dependable centre midfielder who has become an essential aspect of Leeds’ playing style, Phillips not only provides a calming presence but also possesses technical abilities that allow him to easily weave out of difficult situations in the centre of the park.

Phillips can also carry the ball forward and is a valuable member of his team’s press off the ball. While the 26-year-old appears to be a useful addition, securing his services will not be simple. It doesn’t appear to be a cheap affair, though, and the player could cost around £60million.

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The club has made significant progress under Thomas Tuchel recently, but it appears that more investment will be necessary if this team is to challenge for the Premier League crown with the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool. With that in mind, acquiring a talented defensive midfielder such as Kalvin Phillips could be a big step forward.