Manchester City are readying a bid for Kalvin Phillips after making several enquiries about the Leeds United star, 90min understands.
The Premier League champions are looking to replace departing captain Fernandinho, who has decided to move back to Brazil.
Declan Rice was a player they followed closely, but with West Ham intent on demanding a British record fee City will not be drawn into a bidding war.
90min understands that City's scouts have been hugely impressed with Phillips' progress since Leeds' promotion to the top flight in 2020.
Pep Guardiola has made his admiration for him clear and the club are currently conducting background checks on Phillips to determine whether he'd be a good fit in the dressing room ahead of an opening bid.
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Leeds are bracing themselves for said offer, and although Phillips has two-years left on his deal it is a contract he signed while the club were in the Championship.
Leeds won't match any offer for Phillips from City, or even other suitors such as Newcastle, West Ham and Aston Villa.
The England international has insisted that he would be happy to stay at Leeds, but 90min understands a move to the Etihad does appeal to him.
Although losing Phillips to City would be a significant blow, it could sweeten the Whites' pursuit of 2021/22 MLS Golden Boot winner Taty Castellanos.
Castellanos plies his trade for NYCFC, who are owned by the City Football Group - who also control the Premier League champions.
Man City have first refusal on all players contracted to CFG clubs and although the Cityzens are not interested in signing Castellanos, smoothing along negotiations for Phillips would make Leeds' attempts to sign the striker progress more smoothly.
Source : 90min