Kalvin Phillips is set to return to Sheffield United as Manchester City prepares to loan him out for the fourth time. The England international midfielder, who has two years left on his contract at the Etihad Stadium, has not played in the Premier League for City since 2023.

The 30-year-old previously joined Sheffield United for the second half of last season but only made three appearances before suffering a red card in a Steel City derby and later a knee injury that sidelined him for the remainder of the season.

Chris Wilder, the manager of Sheffield United, has decided to bring Phillips back to strengthen his midfield options, especially with the potential loss of Gustavo Hamer to Coventry City.

Key points regarding Phillips' situation:

• Joined Manchester City for £42.5m from Leeds in 2022.
• Has only started two league games for City.
• Previous loan spells include West Ham, Ipswich, and Sheffield United.
• Played just seven minutes last season in a Carabao Cup match against Huddersfield.

Despite the arrival of new manager Enzo Maresca at City and uncertainty surrounding fellow defensive midfielder Rodri, who is a target for Barcelona, Phillips remains on the periphery of the squad, having earned 31 caps for England.