Paul Merson urges Kalvin Phillips to join Liverpool with Man Utd eyeing an alternative

Leeds star Kalvin Phillips is not short of offers (Picture: Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

Kalvin Phillips should opt for a move to Liverpool over Manchester United if he leaves Leeds.

That’s the view of former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson, who reckons the Red Devils should be targeting a move for West Ham’s Declan Rice instead.

The England international has been linked with a move to Old Trafford in recent months with United in need of a new midfielder and said to be preparing for the potential departure of Paul Pogba in the summer.

But recent reports suggest Liverpool have also expressed their interest and are now keeping tabs on his contract situation with the 25-year-old yet to sign a new deal.

Joining their arch rivals United would not go down well with Leeds supporters and Merson feels Anfield should be his next destination if he leaves his boyhood club.

‘Kalvin Phillips should join Liverpool, not Manchester United,’ Merson told the Daily Star.

‘But I don’t think he takes either of those teams to another level. He’s a good player who would play every week whichever one he signs for. But not a gamechanger.

‘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.

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

‘It all depends who the manager is by then as well. United are miles behind Liverpool. Unless they change the manager, he’s not winning trophies there.
‘I think he plays every week for either club, personally. But I don’t think it will just be those two teams after him. If Leeds sell him next summer there will be an auction.’

Would Declan Rice be a good fit for Manchester United" (Picture: James Williamson – AMA/Getty Images)

United have also been linked with West Ham star Rice, with David Moyes recently admitting the Red Devils missed out on signing him last summer for a ‘bargain’ price.

Merson believes United should prioritise Rice over Phillips with the latter a potential successor to Jordan Henderson at Liverpool.

‘But I honestly believe United should be trying to get Declan Rice from West Ham instead. I would be trying my hardest to get him,’ Merson added.

‘I’m not saying Rice is a better player but he’s a different kind of player. A proper holding midfielder. And that’s what United are crying out for. Rice ticks that box.

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‘With Phillips I think he’d suit Liverpool more than United. And if they are paying big money fo...