Man Utd step up Kalvin Phillips transfer hunt while Leeds field Hoffenheim star Grillitsch as replacement

MANCHESTER UNITED have received a boost in their pursuit of Leeds midfielder Kalvin Phillips.

The 26-year-old England international is reportedly being monitored by the Red Devils despite a frustratingly injury-prone season.

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Phillips has two years left on his contract and has expressed a desire to stay at Elland Road earlier in the season.

But it’s still believed he will be tempted to leave if Man Utd come for him in the summer.

And according to The Mail, Leeds have now identified a replacement for Phillips in Hoffenheim star Florian Grillitsch.

The Austrian midfielder has impressed for the Bundesliga side in his 18 appearances for the club this season.

He helped move Hoffenheim to sixth place in the table, a significant improvement from eleventh place last season.

Grillitsch is out of contract in the summer and the report says his representatives have approached clubs in England, Germany and Spain.

Arsenal and Newcastle have been linked with a move for him.

West Ham and Everton are also eyeing a possible offer.

But now Leeds have joined the race as they prepare for life without talisman Phillips.

One factor that has attracted interest from the English side is Grillitsch’s versatility.

Not only can he play as a defensive midfielder, but he can also step in as a makeshift centre-back.