Aston Villa and Kalvin Phillips transfer as Everton update opens door for Man City deal

Everton may sign another midfielder in the transfer window which could pave the way for Villa to swoop in for the Manchester City midfielder

Kalvin Phillips has featured in pre-season despite transfer speculation

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Everton’s pursuit of 20-year-old midfielder Habib Diarra could leave the door open for Aston Villa to sign Kalvin Phillips.

The Toffees have been heavily linked with a potential move for Phillips – who is currently in the US with Manchester City – but the acquisition of Diarra as reported by The Athletic could put speculation to bed. As a result, Villa would likely become the front-runner in their potential pursuit of Phillips. The report by The Athletic suggested Sean Dyche’s side are still interested in the City man but a loan deal – as they have one loan slot available – could be the more likely option.

Phillips never got going last season – when he was loaned to West Ham United – and made just eight Premier League appearances for the Hammers. As a result, he missed out on a UEFA Euro 2024 spot having previously been very much part of Gareth Southgate’s plans in past tournaments.

READ: Diego Carlos transfer update as Aston Villa defender linked with rivals

READ: Jhon Duran update as striker set to play a key role in Villa’s preparations

Villa have been active in the window – signing eight players – as they prepare to compete on four fronts – Premier League, UEFA Champions League, FA Cup, and Carabao Cup – this season and a player of Phillips’ experience would no doubt add to an already strong squad.

Earlier this week, Manchester Evening News reported that Villa had submitted a loan offer rather than a permanent deal as money raised from the sale of midfielder Douglas Luiz – who signed for Juventus – was spent when securing the transfer of Belgian midfielder Amadou Onana.

Phillips played 90 minutes in City’s draw with Barcelona in Orlando on Thursday and has had a prominent role in the Cityzens’ pre-season preparations. Phillips also played in the two previous friendlies – against Milan and Celtic – causing Guardiola to speak out on the current situation, he said: “Kalvin I don’t know what is going to happen with his situation. He was really good for the problems we had. I know Kalvin when he gets the ball and can see all the pitch in front of him he’s a really good player. When he has the small spaces there are more problems.”

Phillips played as a makeshift defender against Barca, with the City boss praising his efforts: “He makes an incredible effort with his position. He was confident with the ball and helps us a lot. I’m really pleased with his performance.”

Would Phillips be a good addition to Unai Emery’s squad? Have your say HERE

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Champions League, you’re having a laugh!

Yes, Aston Villa are competing in European football’s premium competition this season and, yes, the claret and blue faithful are having a rather contented chuckle to themselves.

Just five years after being reinstated to the top flight following a Championship play-off final victory over Derby County at Wembley, Villa have gatecrashed the established elite and are hellbent on keeping their place at the top table.

With PSR, FFP and other financial acronyms proving to be more challenging opponents than many of their Premeir League rivals last season, the powers-that-be at Villa Park have been doing some calculated wheeling and dealing this summer.

Losing Douglas Luiz to balance the books has been the biggest blow so far, but Villa’s disappointment at the Brazilian midfielder’s move to Juventus is offset by the arrivals from the Turin club of Enzo Barrenechea and Samuel Iling-Junior.

Then there’s the exciting capture of Chelsea’s Borussia Dortmund Championship League finalist Ian Maatsen and Ross Barkley’s return to Witton after a productive spell at Luton Town, with plenty more transfer movement to come.

Amadou Onana’s impending signing from Everton is set to be another major coup for Villa while talented rookie Jaden Philogene-Bidace has been to Hull and back with the prospect of plenty unfinished business in claret and blue when his homecoming is completed.

Having fast-tracked Villa from Premier League also-rans to Champions League competitors within his first 18 months, Emery is determined to maintain the pace of progress.

Being competitive in Europe will be a key priority as will cementing the club’s status in the higher echelons of the top flight. Another top four finish is a big ask, especially with Villa fans crying out for a first trophy in almost three decades but Emery thrives on the expectation and positively encourages the Villa Park masses to dream.

Whichever way you look at it, this is a great time to be an Aston Villa fan and to celebrate the optimism in B6 we’ve produced our Aston Villa 2024-25 Kick Off special, our brilliant guide to the new season.

Our man at Villa, John Townley, will waltz you through what to expect from Villa in 2024/25, turn the spotlight on Emery, run the rule over the new signings and pinpoint the ones to watch who could be key to success.

Our club-by-club guides give you the lowdown on Villa’s Premier League rivals and the managers in the division, while our away days pages will tell you all you need to know about the grounds Villa will be visiting.

With a full fixture list and key dates for the campaign, Aston Villa 2024-25 Kick-Off will get you back in perfect match shape in time for Villa’s opening day curtain-raiser at West Ham on Saturday, August 17.

On sale in selected independent retailers and supermarkets in Birmingham priced £3.50 from Wednesday, August 7, 2024. Worldwide shipping available, postage and packaging applies.