Newcastle have identified Kalvin Phillips as a key target heading into the January transfer window, according to the Northern Echo.
They report that we will ‘press ahead’ with our pursuit of the midfielder, with Eddie Howe boosted by indications that Pep Guardiola would be willing to let the England international leave in the New Year; even to a Premier League rival.
The Telegraph revealed our interest in the 27-year-old over the summer, but it emerged that Phillips chose to fight for his place at the Etihad. Several months later, he’s started just once all season – ironically, that was Man City’s 1-0 defeat at St James’ Park in the Carabao Cup.
The Echo claim that a loan deal with an option to buy at the end of the 2023/24 season will be pursued, adding that the signing of a midfielder is Howe’s top priority heading into the winter window. Ruben Neves has been regularly linked and could be another appealing loan option, but our hopes of landing him could be dashed if the related-party vote goes against us next Tuesday.
When discussing Cole Palmer’s summer move to Chelsea in a recent interview, Guardiola’s comments were encouraging, suggesting he would ‘never’ stop a player joining a rival:
“Would I stop a player from joining a rival? Never, ever. I give my opinion to the club, and they decide if the transfer suits both sides and the player.
“Why? I think (blocking a move) means you are a small club. Big clubs, they don’t (care), they make decisions for the benefit of all three parties – players and both clubs, and agents sometimes.
“Really, it is not a problem. They want to go to Chelsea, United, Liverpool whoever. What is the problem? They are happy to be there, the club is happy with the transfer and the other club is happy with the amount of money they spend. It is fine.”
😍👍🏼⚒️😂😘😀🎉🇬🇧🎂😜👀
Matt K(Quote)