Mark Douglas has released an update on the Toon transfer front in his latest piece for the i, sharing the latest on Kalvin Phillips and Steve Nickson’s trip to Italy to watch Atalanta’s Ederson.
He reports that Kalvin Phillips wants to join Newcastle, but must persuade Man City to lower the loan fee they are currently demanding, which is thought to be around the £6-7m mark.
It’s believed that Brighton have joined West Ham and Crystal Palace in showing interest in the 28-year-old, but all three have been put off by the figures attached to any temporary deal.
Despite long-term interest from Eddie Howe and Phillips’ eagerness to arrive on Tyneside to boost his EURO 2024 hopes, Douglas reports that Newcastle are scouring Europe for potential alternatives should City refuse to buckle.
Interestingly, he comments on ongoing links with Ederson and backs up reports from Italy that claimed our head of recruitment Steve Nickson was in Bergamo on Monday to watch Atalanta’s 5-0 win over Frosinone.
He adds that the South American midfielder has received ‘positive reviews’ from Toon scouts – he scored in the game Nickson went to watch – and profiles similarly to Joelinton; who seems increasingly likely to miss the remainder of the season ahead of surgery.
A loan move for Ederson is out of the question given his prominent role in Atalanta’s side, but Newcastle could look to bring forward their summer spending and pursue a late deal. However, it’ll be tough to convince the Serie A side to sell one of their star men mid-season.
Man City outcast Kalvin Phillips is pushing for a move to Newcastle 👀
✍️ @MsiDouglas reports#NUFC #MCFC https://t.co/iPHKh24Ksu
— i sport (@iPaperSport) January 18, 2024
