Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips is reportedly attracting interest from another Premier League club.
Phillips arrived at the Etihad Stadium in a £42m deal with the hope of becoming a mainstay in Pep Guardiola's engine room.
Instead, the England international's career has nosedived at the Premier League champions, with just six starts having been made in all competitions.
A further 25 outings have come from the substitutes' bench, yet there is now little prospect of the 28-year-old ever representing City in the future.
That is a consequence of a dismal loan spell at West Ham United during the second half of 2023-24, Phillips making only three starts and seven substitute appearances.
As a result, the former Leeds United star has lost his place in the England squad and will not return to Three Lions contention without regular first-team football.
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Premier League club still admirer of Phillips
There have been times when City have retained a stance that Phillips is still worth in the region of £40m, but the time has seemingly passed where they can expect to recoup anywhere near that figure.
Unless City change their stance, a second loan switch of the calendar year is inevitable, and it appears that another top-flight club is ready to take advantage.
According to Sky Sports News, Everton are toying with the idea of making formal contact with their City counterparts regarding a loan move.
Despite being deducted a total of eight points during the most recent campaign, the Toffees were still able to finish in 15th position in the Premier League table.
Uncertainty over the club's ownership and having to ensure that they meet all of the necessary financial regulations will not help their cause over the coming months.
However, from City's perspective, they need to find a club that will provide Phillips with weekly football in order to retain his worth on the market.
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Would Everton be a good fit?
In theory, there are minimal downsides to Phillips moving to Goodison Park, most importantly due to his status and likely regular action.
Andre Gomes is leaving the Merseyside outfit, while offers may also be invited for Amadou Onana in a bid to bolster the club's financial position.
Phillips would also get to remain in the North and not have to try to manage the workload of European football, which could help keep himself fit.
Darren Plant
