Kalvin Phillips is reportedly increasingly likely to leave Manchester City in January amid interest from a number of clubs including Newcastle United and Everton.
The 27-year-old has endured a difficult 15 months at the Etihad Stadium since joining from Leeds United in July 2022, starting just five of his 26 appearances for the Citizens across all tournaments.
Injuries and the exceptional form of fellow midfield lynchpin Rodri were two main factors that prevented Phillips from establishing himself as a first-team regular last season.
Many would have thought that Phillips would be given a chance in the starting lineup by Pep Guardiola when Rodri received a three-match domestic ban for violent conduct last month; the England international played the full 90 minutes in a EFL Cup defeat to Newcastle but returned to the substitutes' bench for fixtures against RB Leipzig, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Arsenal.
Guardiola has instead turned to summer signing Mateo Kovacic and Matheus Nunes to play in centre-midfield, as well as 18-year-old versatile full-back Rico Lewis, while Bernardo Silva played in a deeper role alongside Lewis in the defeat to Arsenal last weekend.
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Phillips still has five years remaining on his contract at the Etihad, but he is now facing an uncertain future having fallen even further down the pecking order under Guardiola.
According to The i, Man City were open to letting Phillips leave this summer, only for the midfielder the express his desire to stay and fight for his place, but a January exit from the treble winners is now increasingly likely for the Englishman.
The report adds that that most likely outcome would be a loan move in the winter window when there will be "plenty of interest" in his services.
Newcastle are said to have made an enquiry for Phillips in the summer and could reignite their interest in January.
Eddie Howe already has a wealth of midfield options at his disposal including Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali, Sean Longstaff, Joelinton, Elliot Anderson and Joe Willock – the latter of whom is currently injured – but the Magpies boss could be tempted to sign another in the New Year, especially if his side are still competing in the Champions League whilst managing domestic duties.
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Everton have also been credited with an interest in Phillips, but a loan move would be the only viable option due to their current financial predicament and uncertainty over the ownership of the club.
Arsenal are another club who have been linked with Phillips, with one report claiming that Mikel Arteta has identified the Yorkshireman as his primary midfield target for 2024.
A possible move to either Liverpool or West Ham United have also been mooted for Phillips, who is currently away on international duty with England ahead of a friendly against Australia and a Euro 2024 qualifier versus Italy.
Should Man City decide to part ways with Phillips, Guardiola's side could step up their interest in Benfica's 19-year-old midfielder Joao Neves.
Oliver Thomas
