Merson claims PL star would ‘suit Liverpool more than Man Utd’

Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson has claimed that Leeds United star Kalvin Phillips would “suit Liverpool more” than Manchester United.

Phillips played in the Premier League for the first time last season. He shone as he helped Leeds finish ninth in their return campaign in the top division.

His form for Leeds helped him to establish himself as a regular under Gareth Southgate for England.

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Phillips was a key player at Euro 2020 and he has been linked with a move away from Marcelo Bielsa’s side in recent months. The Leeds United midfielder is reportedly rated at around £60m.

As reported by Leeds Live, Merson suggested that Phillips would be an ideal replacement for Jordan Henderson:

“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,” Merson said.

“And a Leeds United player going to Manchester United? Wow. Better start well! That’s pressure.

“I think he plays every week for either club, personally. But I don’t think it will just be those two teams after him.

“With Phillips, I think he’d suit Liverpool more than United. And if they are paying big money for him I don’t see Jordan Henderson playing every week.

“I’m not saying that would be the end of Henderson. He’s a good pro. Never lets you down. But he’s not getting any younger.

“I think Phillips could learn from having him around. I think Phillips would become a much better player at Liverpool.

“At Leeds he will get burnt out. I think he’s virtually left on his own too much in midfield at Leeds and he has to do everything.

“It won’t be like that for him at Liverpool. But at United? Who knows? United’s midfield is a problem.”

Last month, Alan Hutton predicted that Phillips would turn down a new deal at Leeds:

“He’s got a couple of years left. It doesn’t surprise me they’re trying to tie him down. There’ll be all sorts of teams sniffing around him.

“Fair play to him, he’s been an outstanding performer for Leeds. He is now an outstanding performer for England. He’s taken his game to a new level.

“I don’t think Leeds are the same team when he’s not playing. They’ll be desperate to tie him down a long-term deal.

“But will he sign one? I’m not so sure. There will be a lot of teams after him in the next year or so.

“We’ll have to see how that plays out, but he could definitely play a very high level.”