Aston Villa and Unai Emery are reportedly plotting an audacious move for Manchester City duo Kalvin Phillips and Kyle Walker as they look to strengthen their place among the elite Premier League clubs next season.
In excellent form since Emery took the helm, the Villains currently sit sixth after their first draw in six games, and are two points behind fifth-placed Tottenham, though the Lilywhites have a game in hand.
Now, they are looking to build on what is set to be a season in the Europa League as it stands, and as per FootyInsider, they are plotting a £55m swoop for two of City’s outcasts.
Though he has been a mainstay in the side for much of his time at the Etihad, Walker’s time looks to be over after Pep Guardiola changed his system, which he claimed the 32-year-old was not a part of.
“The reason why [he is not playing] is tactical. It’s not because we lost faith in Kyle,” said Guardiola.
“He can play coming inside and he has done it many times, but like in the position [against] Liverpool with Rodri and John, he will maybe need time to do it and we don’t have time.”
“He has other characteristics. He will always have pace. He will be the fastest in this room at 60 years old.”
Meanwhile, Kalvin Phillips is another that has struggled to get up to the speed of the Manchester City side since his arrival from Leeds United in the summer, with injury and form restricting him to just 102 Premier League minutes and sparking speculation that he could move on this summer.
Whether a move to Aston Villa would appeal, however, is another matter, with Villa already stacked in midfield.
