Leeds United could be about to reunite a duo who were once among the best pairings in England
Leeds fans are no strangers to witnessing exciting partnerships.
Supporters watched Jermaine Beckford and Luciano Becchio run riot together at Elland Road in years gone by – the duo combined for seven goals in 75 appearances at Leeds.
Harry Redknapp also called Johnny Giles and Billy Bremner “one of the greatest midfield duos” in history in a recent interview.
This season, fans are also witnessing Sean Longstaff and Joe Rodon strike up a surprise connection from dead ball situations.
Supporters who watched England reach the final of UEFA Euro 2020 will also recall Kalvin Phillips and Raheem Sterling standing out for the Three Lions – and Leeds could soon reunite the duo in Yorkshire.
Leeds United could sign Raheem Sterling and Kalvin Phillips in January
Two England internationals might be heading to Elland Road this winter.
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Sterling is a target for the 49ers – according to Sportsboom – while Leeds United News understand Phillips could return to Yorkshire this January as Pep Guardiola continues to overlook him at Manchester City.
The duo memorably combined to fire England to a 1-0 victory over Croatia in the opening game of UEFA Euro 2020, and were the talk of the tournament as the Three Lions ultimately lost to Italy in the final at Wembley.
Sterling scored three goals in seven appearances at that tournament – including the crucial opener against Germany in the Round of 16 – while Phillips even earned himself the 2020/21 England Player of the Year award, largely due to his stunning displays at this tournament.
Unfortunately, both have fallen by the wayside at Chelsea and Manchester City as Enzo Maresca and Guardiola prefer other options, but the prospect of them getting back down to business at Leeds should truly excite supporters.
Manchester City will presumably have to help Leeds United if double deal is to materialise
Sportsboom state that Chelsea are willing to pay more than half of Sterling’s £300,000-a-week salary in order for him to find a new club this winter.
That increases the chances of a move to Leeds happening, with Robbie Evans already revealing the Whites are at their limit when it comes to Profit & Sustainability Rules (PSR).
Robbie Evans on Leeds United’s PSR position:
“This summer, we spent everything we could. Unequivocally, we are maxing PSR out this season. If we had gone on to other targets [on deadline day], the consequences would have been seen in the current roster. More key players from last season would have had to go.”
However, it remains to be seen if Manchester City will do likewise with Phillips – who still has a contract running until July 2028.
Signing both England internationals could well come down to how generous Manchester City are feeling, in that respect, or Leeds will have to try and find a way to add roughly £300,000-a-week to the wage bill without breaking any rules.
