Thing is I don't think he does improve us, he's 28 - 29 very soon, and actually only had three very good seasons in his career - all under the same manager and system - and all now three years on the rearview.
We'd be paying an insane amount for a guy who unless he finds a time machine will be fourth choice here.
Yes I'd start Gueye, Garner and Tim ahead of anything Philips has shown for years.
I also think it's telling just how many minutes City gave him in low pressure pre season games trying to build up interest in him (he was gone no matter what he did) first as a cm but he looked terrible in a few games so they switched him to centre back where he had more time and less press - that's where his recent good performances have been for them.
Really clever by Guardiola in fact doing so as CB at city is arguably the easiest position in world football to play
I wouldn't of minded him to be honest, he's a player i tracked when Leeds where middling in the championship, he would have suited how we will play, i wasn't to worried about his recent form the last couple of seasons - i think there is context there - but i would be concerned by injuries and wages.
It was one if it fell right could of worked for us, but i think we had a budget in terms of what % of wages we would pay and i think Ipswich gazumped that - fair enough - you move on - I'm sure we have a list and I'm sure there are options for a pressing midfielder - if we go that route.
Still feel a priority overall is a bit of pace in the team, whether that's at full back or the right wing - they would be my priorities.
Coming to the point where i think we aren't going to cover every hole in the squad and we will play the season light in one line or another, so its a decision on which hole is the priority.
