Newcastle United is reportedly eyeing a move for Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips when the January transfer window opens. The England international, who joined Man City from Leeds United in the summer of 2022, has struggled to make a significant impact for the Citizens.
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Despite the competition for Phillips’s signature in the previous summer, the 27-year-old has featured sparingly for Man City, making just 29 appearances for the club without scoring or providing an assist. In the current season, Phillips has made only eight appearances, totaling 89 minutes in the Premier League.
England’s head coach, Gareth Southgate, has stressed the importance of regular playing time for Phillips in the second half of the season to secure a spot in the squad for the European Championship next summer. Despite his limited role at Man City, Phillips continues to be selected for the national team.
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Newcastle sees the signing of a central midfielder as a priority, especially with Sandro Tonali suspended for the season due to betting offenses and Elliot Anderson sidelined with a back problem. In response to these challenges, the Magpies are reportedly planning a mid-season move for Phillips.
Man City’s coach, Pep Guardiola, has expressed openness to Phillips making a move to another Premier League club. Newcastle is expected to make an offer to loan Phillips for the second half of the season, with the possibility of a mandatory purchase option included in the deal, making the move permanent next summer.
While Phillips has been linked with a move to Juventus, Newcastle appears to be the frontrunner, as the midfielder expresses a preference for remaining in the Premier League. Phillips, who represented Leeds from 2010 to 2022, has a history of 234 appearances for the club, contributing 14 goals and 13 assists.
Currently with the Three Lions squad for Euro 2024 qualification matches against Malta and North Macedonia, Phillips awaits the resolution of his future as the January transfer window approaches. Man City is scheduled to face Liverpool on November 25, while Newcastle will resume their league duties against Chelsea on the same afternoon.
