Manchester City “would not refuse” to sell Kalvin Phillips to Newcastle, according to The Telegraph.

The England international is a top target for the Magpies as they look to replace Sandro Tonali, and there is now a decent chance that he could make the switch to St James’ Park during the January transfer window.

However, it is important to point out a couple of caveats. At the moment, there is no certainty that City would agree to loan out Phillips.

Due to Financial Fair Play restrictions, Eddie Howe’s team would ask for the player on a temporary basis initially, with an option (or obligation) to buy at the end of the season.

City paid £42m when they signed Phillips from Leeds in the summer of 2022, so they may be hoping to raise funds from selling the player instead.

There is “fierce competition” for the City midfielder

The second and, probably more pressing issue, is that there are plenty of other teams interested in signing Phillips.

Tottenham, Everton, West Ham, Liverpool and even Bayern Munich have been mentioned as potential suitors for the 27-year-old and the Telegraph claim that “fierce competition” for his signature could scupper Newcastle’s plans, especially if other clubs are prepared to pay a transfer fee.

Newcastle will have to count on the desire of the player

The Magpies do have a couple of elements in their favor, though, with regards to winning the race for Phillips. Unlike other teams, they can offer him regular starting opportunities, as well as European football.

With the midfielder keen to impress ahead of next summer’s European Championships, playing for a team of Newcastle’s stature will give him the best chance of being picked in the England squad for the tournament.

You can watch the documentary – Newcastle United: The Road Back To Europe on Shots! TV here