Kalvin Phillips is set to leave Manchester City during the January transfer window. Newcastle is in the front position to secure Phillips’ signing but is considering an initial loan arrangement. The Magpies are seeking reinforcements due to the suspension of Sandro Tonali.
Newcastle United is aiming to strengthen their midfield by pursuing Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips during the January transfer window, according to sources familiar with the situation disclosed to 90min.
The Magpies are in search of reinforcements for their midfield, particularly after Sandro Tonali, their key signing in the summer, received a season-ending ban due to betting offences.
Newcastle’s interest in Phillips predates their knowledge about Tonali’s impending suspension, and intermediaries have reportedly informed the club that Manchester City is open to allowing Phillips to depart in January.
Due to financial concerns related to Financial Fair Play regulations, Newcastle prefers to secure Phillips initially on loan. While Manchester City is open to such an arrangement, they would agree to it only if there is an option for Newcastle to make a purchase later.
Despite interest from various clubs across England and Europe, including Aston Villa, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham United, Borussia Dortmund, and Juventus, Newcastle appears to be a particularly appealing destination for the 27-year-old midfielder.
Phillips had aspirations to prove himself at Manchester City and had hoped for a return to regular action by Christmas. However, it’s becoming increasingly evident that he doesn’t feature in Pep Guardiola’s long-term plans for the club.
Although Phillips has moved past his injury concerns from his initial season at Etihad Stadium, he has seen limited game time, playing only 215 minutes this season and starting just one match, which coincidentally ended in a 1-0 loss at Newcastle during the Carabao Cup’s third round.
Despite his limited playing time at the club level, Phillips has maintained his spot in Gareth Southgate’s England squad throughout this season’s international windows.
Additionally, Newcastle is in discussions with Feyenoord to terminate Yankuba Minteh’s loan spell in January. The winger, who returned to Tyneside for treatment on a hamstring injury, has impressed his parent club with his performances in the Netherlands.
