According to The Telegraph, Newcastle United look set to step up their pursuit of Kalvin Phillips in the coming days after Eddie Howe identified the Man City outcast as his top target.
Luke Edwards reports that we are confident a loan deal ‘can be agreed swiftly’ once the January transfer window opens next week, with the club preferring temporary deals due to ongoing FFP restrictions limiting our hopes of a big-money buy this winter.
The report states that Howe is a long-term admirer of Phillips and believes he could add some much-needed protection to a back four that’s conceded 11 times in our last five league games.
It’s thought talks will ramp up next week in hope a deal can be agreed, with the player and club open to his exit. There is competition – Juventus, Everton and Crystal Palace all keen – but it seems we’re eager to secure his services as soon as possible.
The Telegraph add that Eddie Howe is also keen to sign a forward next month, despite budget restrictions, while a new goalkeeper is also under consideration as free agent David De Gea hopes to land a short-term deal on Tyneside.
Exclusive: Newcastle wants to open talks for Phillips as soon as possible.#TelegraphFootball | #NUFC
— Telegraph Football (@TeleFootball) December 27, 2023
I really don’t get the fascination with Kalvin Phillips, he’s that good that when City had injuries to DM position they put a young left back in there and still didn’t give Phillips a game.
I know EH likes players with EPL experience but I don’t see anything in Phillips that justifies us wasting money on him even as a gap replacement.
A centre forward should be more of a priority as neither Wilson or Isak can stay fit.
David(Quote)
We do need 4 players for me rcb,cdm,rw,and striker and need to be ready to fight as injury list is not getting easier at all and fatigue is setting in in other players you wouldn’t expect are making errors because of this
MR MARTIN SOUTER(Quote)