Newcastle United are reportedly in the race to sign Manchester City's Kalvin Phillips in the January transfer window, making the midfielder their top target for the New Year.
The 28-year-old has struggled massively for first-team minutes under the tutelage of Pep Guardiola since moving from Leeds United in the summer of 2022.
A highlight for Phillips at the Citizens arrived on Wednesday night in the Champions League, when he netted his first goal for the club from the penalty spot in a 3-2 success over Red Star Belgrade.
However, the England international has managed just four substitute appearances in the Premier League this season, amounting to only 89 minutes of top-flight action.
According to i News, Newcastle United are in the market for a new central midfielder in January and have identified Phillips as a possible incoming.
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The Magpies have been ravaged by injuries in the opening months of the 2023-24 season as they attempted to fight through Premier League and Champions League matches.
Engine-room enforcer Sandro Tonali is currently serving a 10-month ban for breaking the Italian FA's betting regulations, meaning that Eddie Howe is seeking midfield reinforcements.
It is understood that the former Bournemouth head coach has pinpointed Phillips as his preferred arrival at St James' Park during the upcoming January window.
After finishing bottom of a tricky Group F in the Champions League containing Paris-Saint Germain, Borussia Dortmund and AC Milan, it is believed that the Magpies will invest heavily in the New Year as they try to secure a top-four finish once again.
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Newcastle are reportedly not alone in their fondness of Man City's Phillips, with Manchester United and Serie A giants Juventus also credited with an interest in the Englishman.
Despite the red half of Manchester monitoring the midfielder's situation at the Etihad Stadium, it is said to be unlikely that the player completes a cross-city switch anytime soon.
Guardiola has recently apologised to Phillips for his lack of first-team minutes since moving from Elland Road, with the Spanish coach stating that he cannot envisage the ex-Leeds man in a first-choice Citizens side.
After featuring as part of a much-changed Man City XI on Wednesday night, Phillips is set to surrender his spot in the team to Rodri on Saturday afternoon as the champions host Crystal Palace in the Premier League.
Carter White
