Juventus have initiated initial discussions with Manchester City regarding a potential January loan move for Kalvin Phillips, and they are also expressing interest in Tottenham’s Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.
In their search for a new midfielder next month, Juventus has explored various options, including Phillips and Hojbjerg.
According to Sky Sports News, City prefers a permanent sale for Phillips as they’ve placed him on the market. However, his annual salary of around £7 million or £135,000 per week presents a challenge for another team to match mid-season, especially considering the Financial Fair Play concerns that directors are weighing.
Since his £42 million transfer from Leeds in the summer of 2022, Phillips has struggled for regular first-team opportunities. Pep Guardiola recently mentioned the possibility of his departure while apologizing for the player’s lack of playing time.
Sky Sports News reports that City is in search of defensive midfield cover in anticipation of Phillips’ potential departure and is keen on a young, homegrown option.
Meanwhile, Hojbjerg has seen a decline in his role at Tottenham. If an attractive offer comes in for the Danish international, Tottenham will need to decide, especially with Yves Bissouma also departing for AFCON during the window. They’ll likely seek a replacement swiftly.
Although Manchester United doesn’t plan on adding players in January, Hojbjerg was on their radar in the summer, and his consideration might resurface if a tempting offer for Casemiro emerges.
Hojbjerg is reportedly drawing interest from other English and Italian clubs, including Napoli.
On the other hand, Phillips is believed to be on Newcastle’s January transfer wishlist. Newcastle aims to secure a loan deal as they seek a defensive midfielder to fill in for the suspended Sandro Tonali while managing their Financial Fair Play budget.
While Newcastle might not possess a significant budget for January, they could expedite summer plans if an ideal deal materializes, similarly to their acquisition of Anthony Gordon from Everton in 2022.
