Manchester City to offer Kalvin Phillips in Bruno Guimaraes bid?

Manchester City are reportedly willing to offer Kalvin Phillips to Newcastle United if it means boosting their chances of signing Bruno Guimaraes.

Since moving to St James' Park in January 2022, Guimaraes has established himself as a key player and cult hero with the Magpies.

The 25-year-old has made 36 starts and eight substitute outings, chipping in with nine goals to help Newcastle challenge for European qualification and silverware.

However, while the Brazil international still has over three years remaining on his contract, speculation persists regarding his long-term future.

Despite Guimaraes publicly stating that he wants to become 'a club legend' in the future, Real Madrid are said to be monitoring the situation.

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As it stands, only an astronomical bid may tempt Newcastle in the summer, although it appears that City may make a more creative approach to trying to negotiate a deal.

According to The Mirror, last season's Premier League champions would be open to including Phillips in any proposal.

The England international has endured a hugely disappointing first campaign at the Etihad Stadium, being provided with just 356 minutes of senior football.

That game time has been spread over 13 appearances, his two starts coming in the FA Cup and EFL Cup, and his only two outings since the middle of February have been a result of City scoring a hatful of goals versus their respective opponents.

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While Phillips possesses a contract until 2028, it remains unclear whether the former Leeds United midfielder is in the long-term plans of Pep Guardiola.

A clearer pathway to the starting lineup could theoretically be created if Ilkay Gundogan departs on a free transfer at the end of the season.

That said, Phillips and Gundogan are regarded as different types of players, while Maximo Perrone is also ready to challenge for more senior action.

From Guimaraes's perspective, he wold be viewed as a like-for-like replacement for Gundogan should the German opt to take on a new challenge after a near seven-year stint at the Etihad Stadium.