Newcastle United are looking to agree a swift loan deal for Kalvin Phillips in January, with Eddie Howe reportedly seeing the midfielder as a ‘top priority’.
Phillips, 27, has once again struggled for minutes at the Etihad Stadium this season, and the feeling is that will be departing in the coming weeks.
Journalist Fabrizio Romano said recently that is ‘99% guaranteed’ that he’ll go, and there have been suggestions that Juventus could be his next destination.
Apparently Phillips would very much like that move.
But Newcastle have been interested too – and it sounds like the Magpies could now intensify their pursuit…
Newcastle United set to ramp up efforts to sign Kalvin Phillips from Manchester City
There is surely no way Phillips says at City beyond January. Pep Guardiola has shown this season that he simply does not trust the former Leeds United, despite often being complimentary about him in press conferences.
It really is just a case of where he goes, not if.
According to the Telegraph, Newcastle are trying to ensure that Phillips joins them next month.
Apparently, the Magpies would like to tie up a deal swiftly after the window opens, and manager Eddie Howe sees him as a ‘priority signing’. It’s stated they want to open talks with City as soon as possible.
Interestingly, it’s stated that Profit and Sustainability rules are ‘severely restricting’ what Newcastle can do, so it is looking like any deal here would be an initial loan.
It has previously been reported that City value Phillips at around £40 million.
Phillips should make Newcastle move
There has been a fair bit of talk about Juventus wanting to sign the player but £150,000-a-week star Phillips should definitely choose Newcastle if there is indeed interest.
He’s got the Euros to consider next year so perhaps it will be important for him to remain in English football where he is more visible to Gareth Southgate. Not that he would fade into obscurity in Serie A, but the Premier League is generally just a better platform for English players.
There is a good chance Phillips would get regular minutes at St. James’ Park, with Howe currently using the 17-year-old Lewis Miley quite often.
Sandro Tonali is serving a 10-month ban and Howe needs cover.
It feels like a move that would suit all parties, with City able to afford to lose Phillips on loan.
