Manchester City have made further headway in their bid to secure the signing of Leeds United talisman, Kalvin Phillips.

What's the word?

That is according to transfer insider Dean Jones, via GIVEMESPORT, who claims that the Cityzens have completed their "background checks" which have lead to "positive" signs around the possibility of the capture.

As per The Athletic, it is said that Manchester City appear as though they are in pole position to secure the signing of Phillips, with a £50m proposal more than likely enough to tempt Leeds to cut ties with the midfielder.

Insider Jones revealed further clarity on City's chances, telling GIVEMESPORT: “All the background checks on this deal are now done and talks are continuing.

“This sounds like a really promising time for Manchester City in their move to sign Kalvin Phillips. The signs are positive so far.”

Pep surely delighted

The latest update surrounding the future of Phillips bodes entirely well from a Manchester City perspective with a move for Phillips set to leave their manager delighted, especially considering the impending departure of Fernandinho, whose contract is set to expire within the next eight or so days.

As of right now, Guardiola may be left with a conflicting decision in the holding midfielder role.

Rodri has proven himself as somewhat of a maestro in possession. And whilst he's drummed up an astonishing return of seven goals and two assists from defensive midfield, his defensive numbers have taken a slight hit, with one-on-one defending scenarios an ongoing concern from a City perspective.

His creative efforts may have given the 51-year-old something to think about in terms of which position the 26-year-old will occupy next season.

And if the City boss is thinking of pushing Rodri up to the role of a number 8 box-to-box midfielder, then Phillips would slot straight into the holding role for the Premier League Champions.

Having registered an average of 3.67 tackles and 1.92 interceptions per game. Phillips is an asset who is willing to stay back and dictate play from deep, representing a perfect option for Manchester City having once been described as a "destroyer" by Steve McClaren.

For comparison, Rodri, especially this season, has not been as prominent out of possession, with an average of just 2.20 tackles and 1.57 interceptions achieved per game.

This will certainly give Guardiola and co something to think about.

In other news: Man City can land their own Alexander-Arnold as Pep eyes move for £18m-rated "engine"