Transfer Rumors: $82M Star Could Choose Liverpool Over Manchester United Due To Family Reasons

Leeds United midfielder reportedly could choose to join Liverpool FC over Manchester United next summer.

Phillips, who is expected to leave Leeds at the end of the 2021-22 campaign, would prefer Liverpool over the Old Trafford side as he is concerned about the negative impact he and his family could face if he moved to Manchester United due to the bitter rivalry between Leeds and the Red Devils, reported U.K. publication Daily Star.

Phillips' family still resides in Leeds and he does not want them to face any issues because of him if he chooses to change clubs next summer.

The English midfielder joined the Leeds United academy at the age of 14. He progressed through the youth ranks at Elland Road and eventually made his senior debut for them during the 2014-15 season.

Even though Phillips, who is contracted with Leeds until 2024, has not requested a move, the club is aware that a lucrative offer from a bigger club could tempt their midfielder, who could fetch his current club around $82 million.

Considering the huge interest from Premier League rivals, Leeds United are looking to offer Phillips a long-term contract beyond 2024 along with a significant pay rise that would make the 25-year-old midfielder the highest earner in the current squad, according to Eurosport.

Having played over 200 competitive matches for Leeds, Phillips has scored 14 goals and 13 assists, across all competitions and has become an important figure at Elland Road over the years.

Manchester United are expected to come to the 2022 summer market in a bid to sign a midfielder. It has been reported that furious for not being picked in the starting XI for the Liverpool game, Paul Pogba has stalled his contract talks with the Red Devils. If the situation remains the same until the end of this season, Manchester United could lose their record-signing for free in 2022.

Following the departure of Gini Wijnaldum ahead of the 2021-22 campaign, who joined Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) as a free agent, the Reds did not sign a replacement. Therefore, Liverpool are also monitoring Phillips’ situation as Jurgen Klopp is looking to bolster his midfield options during the summer window.