Manchester City reportedly want a higher price for Kalvin Phillips than they bought him for, despite the midfielder collecting dust on the bench since signing from Leeds last summer. Newcastle United are rumoured to be eyeing up the England international as a contender to replace the suspended Sandro Tonali.
The Magpies’ need to replace Tonali is no secret, with the Italian receiving a 10-month football ban for betting breaches. And City are seemingly keen to extract every last penny out of Newcastle’s mega-rich owners once January rolls around.
Phillips set the Sky Blues back £42million last summer, and he has only started five matches in the 15 months since. Nevertheless, The Mirror claim that City will set a £50m asking price for the 27-year-old if Newcastle come calling.
It seems likely that Phillips will seek out a new challenge this winter as he looks to secure a spot in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for Euro 2024.
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The Leeds academy graduate made it clear during the international break that he will be forced to assess his options unless Pep Guardiola gives him more game time. Things have looked bleak for Phillips in recent weeks, finding himself consigned to the bench even when Rodri was suspended.
The likelihood of him leaving the Etihad Stadium has sparked a wave of interest from the Premier League and beyond. Juventus, Liverpool, West Ham and Aston Villa will reportedly rival Newcastle for Phillips’ signature.
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Having spent relatively sensibly since Saudi Arabian money arrived at St James’ Park, the Toon are believed to have the manoeuvrability to meet City’s asking price if required. But it remains to be seen if they are prepared to bite the bullet, having splashed out £55m on Tonali during the summer.
The Italian will be out of action for the rest of the season, with his return date set for August 27 next year. Newcastle boss Eddie Howe needs all hands on deck as he hunts down Champions League qualification for the second year in a row.
Phillips will gain a clearer picture of whether he has a future at City on Sunday, when Guardiola names his starting XI to face Manchester United at Old Trafford.
The Three Lions midfielder may not be holding his breath, having only started two Premier League matches since joining up with the Sky Blues over a year ago.
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