Aston Villa are ready to hand Kalvin Phillips an exit route out of his Manchester City nightmare.

Phillips' £45million arrival from Leeds was one of last summer's marquee transfers but the England midfielder has endured a torrid campaign at the Etihad.

A shoulder injury combined with general fitness issues has limited Phillips to just six Premier League appearances, all of which have been fleeting cameos from the bench.

Pep Guardiola has previously voiced his frustration over the Yorkshire-born ace's lack of availability and Football Insider suggest a departure is now on the cards.

High-flying Villa are firmly in contention for European qualification after winning six of their last seven top-flight games under Unai Emery.

And with the club keen to back their boss further this summer, a swoop for 27-year-old Phillips is being strongly considered.

City would hope to recoup most of the fee they outlaid for their No4, meaning Villa would have to smash their current £33m transfer record to make a deal happen.

In other news

Brighton are doing all they can to tie teenage striker Evan Ferguson down to a new contract this month, with the Daily Mail suggesting Manchester United and Tottenham are plotting a move.

The Athletic report that England full-back Ben Chilwell, 26, is ready to sign a new four-year deal with Chelsea.

Arsenal are now considering selling their 21-year-old striker Folarin Balogun, who is shining on loan at French side Reims this term, according to The Times.