Newcastle United are considering a summer bid for Man City midfielder Kalvin Phillips, while regular contact with James Maddison’s camp has continued.
Speaking exclusively to NUFC Blog, Football Transfers correspondent Steve Kay has revealed that Eddie Howe is a ‘big fan’ of Phillips and values his Premier League experience; something that appeals massively to the Newcastle boss.
On Maddison, Kay believes we are the ‘favourites’ to sign the Leicester City star and lead the race ahead of Spurs now we’ve secured Champions League football ahead of the North London side.
Interest has also been shown in Chelsea’s Mason Mount, although we’re told that this hasn’t gone beyond an initial enquiry, with the 24-year-old likely to demand wages well above the current structure in place at the club.
Howe is an admirer of Conor Gallagher, but he’s unlikely to end up at St James’ Park. Crystal Palace and Brighton are both deemed more likely destinations.
Starting with the latest on Phillips and Maddison, here’s what Kay told us:
“Eddie Howe is a big, big fan of Kalvin Phillips. City are open to selling and Howe would like to bring him in to add Premier League experience.
“He’s still only 27, can fill a position Newcastle are looking to improve and Howe believes he can be another strong voice in the dressing room, helping younger players develop too.
“However, it remains to be seen if the player himself will leave for regular game time or fight for his place under Pep Guardiola.
“Newcastle are looking for proven players and that brings me to James Maddison, who is way up on the list. I think he’ll sign. They’ve been in contact with his camp for a long time. He’s a big possibility.
“Tottenham are interested in Maddison. However, he wants Champions League football – something Spurs can’t offer now – so everything points to Newcastle at the minute. They are the favourites.“
Kay then revealed two other England talents on our radar in Mount and Gallagher, although it seems neither is likely to arrive on Tyneside:
“Mason Mount they enquired about, but there’s been no talks with his agents, just an initial enquiry. He could still sign a new deal at Chelsea.
“Conor Gallagher is probably the one that’s most unlikely. Newcastle are admirers but he’s more likely to join Crystal Palace an Brighton, who’ve both expressed big interest in him.”
Holding midfielder looks like one of Phillips, McTominay or Khéphren Thuram as I imagine Manuel Ugarte is being chased by bigger clubs, but who knows. I don’t believe the Rice rumours for one minute.
PremAndUp(Quote)
We need a proper holding midfielder and another winger, i haven’t seen much of McTominay but from what i hear his strongest position is not holding its further forward, this is why he has struggled in the Utd team. I would take him 100%, he’s physical and a very good player im sure Howe would make a real player of him possibly as another Joelinton Type.
Rodger(Quote)