Journalist Graeme Bailey has claimed that Kalvin Phillips may have to leave Manchester City if he wants to be a part of England’s squad for the 2024 Euros.
The midfielder recently brought an end to his debut season in Pep Guardiola’s side having lifted his first Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League.
However, despite scoring his first goal for England in their 7-0 win over North Macedonia, the 27-year-old has apparently been given an international ultimatum which could throw his City future into doubt.
Phillips told England place could be at risk
Speaking in a recent edition of the Talking Transfers podcast, Bailey said this on the matter.
He said: “He wants to stay, we know that. However, my understanding is Gareth Southgate has made it quite clear to him that if he has another season like he’s just had, he won’t be going to the Euros. So, he has to have that in the back of his mind.
“We know West Ham love him, they bid for him before, even if it’s not part of any [Declan] Rice bid or potential deal, I think West Ham will be back in for him, I really do and Newcastle like him as well.
“I think as it stands Phillips wants to stay but I think the more he thinks about it, the more he may look for a move.”
The Manchester club paid £45m to Leeds United during the previous summer transfer window to bring the midfielder to the Etihad Stadium.
Across his first season, the Englishman made 21 appearances for City but only started four of them, which could be why Southgate thinks another season of limited game time may make it hard for him to include Phillips in his squad for the Euros.
During his 31-minute cameo for England on Monday, not only did the treble-winner get his name on the scoresheet, he also managed to successfully complete 31 of the 33 passes he attempted and make one tackle, showing how useful he can be on and off the ball.
As Bailey mentioned, West Ham have been linked with the midfielder previously and even put a bid in for him before he eventually made his way to the Etihad.
With that in mind, if City were to use Phillips in a potential swap deal for Rice, this could give the former Leeds star the chance to play regularly and take his place in the England squad from being in any danger.
