Kalvin Phillips is reportedly 'very likely' to leave Manchester City in the January transfer window.
The 27-year-old has experienced a frustrating 15-month spell at the Etihad Stadium since joining from boyhood club Leeds United in July 2022, starting just five of his 26 appearances for the Citizens across all competitions.
Rodri, Mateo Kovacic, Matheus Nunes, Bernardo Silva, John Stones and Rico Lewis have all been preferred to play in midfield over Phillips by manager Pep Guardiola, with the Yorkshireman starting just one of his five appearances so far this season.
Although Phillips still has five years remaining on his contract at the Etihad, a lack of game time for an extended period has led to widespread speculation about his future with the treble winners.
Phillips recently hinted at a possible departure in January after admitting that he needs to "make a decision" on his future "over the next months" if his game time at Man City does not improve.
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Guardiola has also refused to rule out the prospect of Phillips securing an exit away from the Citizens in the winter window, amid reported interest from a number of clubs in England and abroad.
According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, both Phillips and Man City consider a January departure as a 'very likely' option at present.
Romano adds that Phillips intends to continue to fight for his place under Guardiola in the next two months, but he is planning to become a regular starter elsewhere in 2024.
Meanwhile, a separate report from Sky Deutschland journalist Florian Plettenberg states that Phillips's entourage are sounding out the market ahead of the New Year and are exploring an initial loan move with an option to buy for the midfielder.
Plettenberg adds that Bayern Munich are yet to engage in any talks or negotiations with Phillips, contrary to previous reports, but the prospect of the midfielder being offered to the Bundesliga champions in the coming weeks cannot be ruled out.
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Bayern boss Thomas Tuchel is known to be in the market for a new defensive midfielder after failing to acquire the services of Fulham's Joao Palhinha in the final hours of the summer transfer window.
The Bavarian giants have been credited with an interest in Phillips, but they will likely face stern competition from several clubs including Serie A outfit Juventus, who have allegedly identified the England international as a possible target following the off-field scandals involving Paul Pogba and Nicolo Fagioli.
Newcastle United are believed to be one of a number of English clubs keeping tabs on the situation of Man City's No.4 as they consider entering the January market for a new midfielder to replace Sandro Tonali, who is facing a lengthy suspension from football amid an illegal betting probe.
Arsenal, Liverpool, Everton and West Ham United have also been linked with Phillips, who will be pushing for a rare start for the Citizens in Wednesday's Champions League group-stage clash away against Swiss outfit Young Boys.
Oliver Thomas
