Phillips’ trajectory has stalled since joining City from Leeds for £45m in 2022 and he is looking to reignite his career once again.
He has played just seven minutes of football this season, back in September in the Carabao Cup at Huddersfield, and this would be his third loan move after spells at West Ham and Ipswich.
Still only 30, Phillips was a key part of the England squad that reached the final of the 2020 European Championship, where they were beaten on penalties by Italy.
He was named England men’s player of the year in 2021, but won the last of his international caps three years ago.
Phillips has been training with the other City players, but clearly surplus to requirements for a long time now, and still has two-and-a-half years left to run on his contract.
In February 2024, City boss Guardiola apologised for saying Phillips was “overweight” on his return from the Qatar World Cup, with the player later saying the comments were “a big knock to my confidence”.
The writing was on the wall and Phillips has not had a look-in at City this season, despite injuries to midfielders Rodri and Nico Gonzalez.
He will be hoping his move to the Blades – 17th in the Championship table – can help get his career back on track.
