Man Utd line up shock transfer for Kalvin Phillips from bitter rivals Leeds as Solskjaer sends scouts to watch star

MANCHESTER UNITED are making checks on Leeds United midfield general Kalvin Phillips as they plan ahead for next season.

Old Trafford No2 Mike Phelan went for a personal check on the Elland Road star against Birmingham City last week as they take a close look.

And coach Kieran McKenna followed it up by checking on Phillips, 23, as he turned on the style again at Preston.

United know it will cost big money to land Phillips next summer and do not want to be caught out for reports on him if there is an auction.

Phillips signed a long term deal at Leeds recently but his future will be decided by whether or not his club make it to the top flight at the end of the campaign.

Earlier this year, Leeds rejected a £27million bid from Tottenham for Phillips – over fears as to how boss Marcelo Bielsa would react.

According to The Athletic, Bielsa was assured that the English star would stay when he signed up for his second season at Elland Road.

And the club refused to entertain any offers for him this summer because of that.

It is understood that Leeds‘ director of football, Victor Orta, made it clear to interested clubs that he was not for sale.

Following that saga, Phillips signed a new five-year contract at Elland Road.

Aston Villa, Sheffield United, Wolves and Burnley were all thought to be interested in the midfielder.

But with United now in the running, those clubs may be forced to look elsewhere.