Report: Pep Guardiola keeping close eyes on Leeds and West Ham stars – originally posted on Sportslens.com
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola knows that he can hardly rest on the laurels of last season, and fears the likes of Liverpool, Manchester United or Chelsea will return strongly next season.
Another rebuilding process is necessary, with City aiming to sign a striker, an attacking midfielder, and a defender if Aymeric Laporte leaves the club.
According to reports from The Manchester Evening News, the Premier League champions are keeping tabs on two England midfielders – Kalvin Phillips and Declan Rice.
City hierarchy is impressed by the progress made by both the players. However, Leeds and West Ham have got nothing to fear about.
Phillips, who has progressed immensely under Marcelo Bielsa, is the heartbeat of the Leeds side that finished ninth in the league after gaining promotion.
He became a regular started for the England national team, and arguably enjoyed his best season. The 25-year-old is representing his country in the European championships and impressed against Croatia. He is likely to partner Rice again for Tuesday’s clash against the Czech Republics.
Rice was equally impressive last season and helped the Hammers qualify for the Europa League.
The report now claims that Manchester City are interested in them, but signing a defensive midfielder is probably not a priority for Guardiola at the moment.
Rodri and Ilkay Gundogan are options for City, while Fernandinho could sign a new contract.
Both Rice and Phillips have been excellent for their respective clubs last season, and they are not looking for a move away.
It seems City are just keeping tabs on their progress with no real intention to buy either of them this summer.
Read: Wolverhampton Wanderers plan surprise move for Diego Costa.
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Author:Saikat