Kalvin Phillips's potential transfer to Newcastle United is in doubt due to the demands of Manchester City, according to a report.
Phillips is widely expected to leave the Citizens in the January transfer window as he has struggled to gain regular first-team football under manager Pep Guardiola.
The 28-year-old has started only five of his 31 appearances for Man City since joining the club from Leeds United in July 2022, and he is yet to start in either the Premier League or Champions League so far this season.
Newcastle have been regularly linked with Phillips and are understood to have identified the England international as their primary midfield target for January.
Eddie Howe is known to be in the market for midfield reinforcements and is believed to be keen to recruit a top-level player to fill the void left behind by summer signing Sandro Tonali, who is serving a suspension from football until August after breaching betting rules.
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Recent reports have suggested that Newcastle are optimistic about luring Phillips to St James' Park on loan during the winter window.
According to talkSPORT, Man City have given Phillips the green light to leave the Etihad Stadium this month in search of regular first-team football.
However, the report adds that a possible switch for the midfielder to Newcastle is at risk of collapsing as Man City are demanding that the Magpies to pay a loan fee of at least £5m and also want to negotiate an obligation to buy in the summer.
A separate report from i news claims that Newcastle are determined not to be "too reactive" in January and disrupt their long-term transfer plans.
It is also thought that any potential transfer business carried out by the Magpies will take place in the latter stages of the winter window.
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In addition, Newcastle are not the only club said to hold an interest in Phillips, as several clubs in England and abroad have been tipped to rival Howe's side this month.
Serie A leaders Juventus and French champions Paris Saint-Germain are both considered as potential attractive destinations for Phillips, who is open to a move abroad.
Bayern Munich have also been credited with an interest, while Fulham and Crystal Palace are the latest Premier League clubs believed to be monitoring Phillips's situation.
The key factor behind Phillips' next move will be the opportunity to play regularly, as the midfielder is keen to secure his spot in Gareth Southgate's England squad for Euro 2024.
Phillips will be pushing to make a rare start for Man City when they play host to second-tier side Huddersfield Town in the FA Cup third round on Sunday.
Oliver Thomas
