Newcastle do want to sign Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips when the transfer window reopens, according to the Northern Echo.
The Magpies have lost Sandro Tonali to a 10-month ban and they have made recruiting a new central midfield player a top priority.
When asked where Phillips would fit into Newcastle’s starting lineup, fans on X were less than enthusiastic about the England international’s arrival:
Much rather Neves tbh…
— … (@Ami_James142) November 17, 2023
Bench
— Juan David Sarmiento (@juanlink02) November 17, 2023
None he isn’t good enough for this club
— scratchy (@scratchyduckz) November 17, 2023
But who do you drop? Bruno, Willock and Longstaff all play key roles in how we play and Philips isn’t leaving to warm another bench.
— V11EED (@v11_eed) November 17, 2023
Is this lad better than anyone we have?
— mickey scorer (@mickhardman5) November 17, 2023
Please no
— Adam (@LammoHD) November 17, 2023
Lying on the physios table
— Steve (@BigStevieCool) November 17, 2023
Phillips has struggled for game time at City
The midfielder has not managed to establish himself as a regular starter since moving to Manchester from Leeds for £42m in the summer of 2022.
Injuries have played their part but City boss Pep Guardiola has also revealed that Phillips has found it hard to get to grips with the tactical demands.
There was even speculation at the start of the season that he could be moved on, but he decided to stay at the Etihad. A few months on, though, and the situation has seemingly changed.
Newcastle will have competition for Phillips
Reports in the English media suggest that Liverpool, Tottenham and Fulham are also interested in the 27-year-old so the Magpies may have a battle on their hands to secure the player’s services.
It is believed that, due to FFP restrictions, Eddie Howe’s side may table a loan bid for Phillips, with a potential option to buy at the end of the season.
You can watch the documentary – Newcastle United: The Road Back To Europe on Shots! TV here
