Kalvin Phillips has started just six games for Man City since his £42m move (Photo: Getty)
Newcastle United are ‘confident’ they will beat the likes of Manchester United to the signing of Manchester City star Kalvin Phillips, according to reports.
Phillips is expected to leave the Etihad in January having struggled for form and fitness since joining City from Leeds 18 months ago.
Despite his recent struggles, Phillips still has a great reputation and as such many clubs are interested in his services, including Juventus, Everton and Crystal Palace.
United have also been tipped to make a shock move for the 28-year-old, but St. James’ Park is said to be his most likely destination.
Newcastle have a long-standing interest in the player, and The Telegraph now report that they are ‘confident a deal can be thrashed out that is acceptable for both them and City’.
Negotiations are yet to begin, but the Magpies want to open talks over a loan deal as soon as possible amid their poor form and injury crisis, with midfielders like Joe Willock, Elliot Anderson and Sandro Tonali stuck on the sidelines.
Eddie Howe is a big fan of Phillips (Photo: Getty)
Eddie Howe is an admirer of the player and views a new midfielder as a top priority after a run of one win in five has left his side eighth in the table and seven points off the top four.
Much of Newcastle’s January business will be restricted to loan signings and free agents to ensure that the club stay within Profit and Sustainability rules, with former Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea also on their shortlist.
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Phillips himself is keen on leaving City as long as it guarantees lots of game time, with a place in England’s Euro 2024 squad at stake.
If Newcastle are to sign anyone, they’ll want to do it as soon as the transferwindow opens, as they face title contenders Liverpool, City and Aston Villa in January, as well as an FA Cup tie against arch-rivals Sunderland.
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