Manchester City’s plans for Phil Foden revealed amid Leeds loan rumours

Manchester City sensation Phil Foden has been heavily linked with a loan move to Leeds United in recent days, following the high-profile arrival of Marcelo Bielsa at Elland Road.

Prior to those rumours, City’s stance on Foden had been consistent – that he would be going nowhere next season with Pep Guardiola believing he would develop best kept close by.

With Bielsa having had a big influence on Pep’s career, the rumour of Foden joining Leeds sounded like it may have had some merit, with ‘El Loco’ the sort of coach renowned for developing young players that Guardiola may trust to develop Foden’s skill set.

However, according to the Manchester Evening News, the speculation is just that – and Phil Foden will not be joining Leeds or anyone else on loan this summer.

The 18-year-old is poised to play a part in City’s 2018-19 season and will hope to improve on his 10 appearances in the Blues’ double-winning campaign.

Stockport-born Foden is expected to sign a new long-term contract at the Etihad Stadium before the start of the new season.

Another of City’s talented England youth internationals, goalkeeper Angus Gunn, is still on Leeds’ radar and appears to have a more realistic chance of heading to the Championship side than Foden.