‘Perfect replacement for Fernandinho’, ‘the closest you’ll get’ – Many fans react as Man City readying opening bid for midfielder

Manchester City fans have been reacting to a post on Twitter which relays a report that claims Pep Guardiola’s side are readying a bid for Kalvin Phillips as they look to bring in a suitable replacement for club captain Fernandinho this summer.

City are understood to be in pursuit of a dynamic, box-to-box midfielder to bolster their ranks in the position, with the likes of Frenkie de Jong, Declan Rice and Paul Pogba all linked with a switch to the Etihad Stadium in recent months.

The Cityzens have now emerged as contenders to sign Kalvin Phillips in the summer. Several Premier League sides are reportedly interested in signing the 26-year-old after he helped keep Leeds in the top-flight for another season.

Manchester City are thought to be at the front of the queue for Phillips’ signature this summer, if he decides it is time to leave his boyhood club, where he has featured in 234 games across all competitions since his debut in 2015.

According to Graeme Bailey of 90min, the Premier League champions are readying a bid for Kalvin Phillips after making several enquiries about the Leeds United star.

As per the report, City’s scouts have been hugely impressed with Phillips’ progress since Leeds’ promotion to the top flight in 2020.

They claim that Pep Guardiola has made his admiration for him clear and the club are currently conducting background checks on Phillips to determine whether he’d be a good fit in the dressing room ahead of an opening bid.

The report was shared on Twitter by City Xtra and it attracted plenty of attention from the club’s supporters.

“MASSIVE if they get him , perfect replacement for Fernandinho.”
Credit: @sambrain86

“It’s getting exciting now. Decent back up to Rodri.”
Credit: @AzgarShaik15

“He is a beast and will battle with Rodri for his position. He will not just be a backup.”
Credit: @Thecatoo

“Great signing this. He’s the perfect backup DM”
Credit: @mcfcryan17

“How much I’ll vibe with this transfer depends on the price we’re buying him for.”
Credit: @Raheem7ii

“As long as the fee is not extortionate, I can vibe with this.”
Credit: @FavelaFIair

“Wouldnt be my first choice but I’d take him.”
Credit: @Cancelogoat

“This guy is the closest thing you’ll get to Fernandinho”
Credit: @TheCanceloEra

“Hope it’s not a huge offer maximum £40million.”
Credit: @LEOWP2707

“I know he’s decent but the man’s like 26 surely there is someone younger that we can bring in. Yeah cool he’s English but we have about 7 English players already? Plus he’s been injured all season can’t see this transfer really being great, hope I’m wrong tho.”
Credit: @MCFC179