Newcastle United interested in Kalvin Phillips—Can he help in their push for 4th place?

Newcastle United are reportedly interested in signing Manchester City misfit Kalvin Phillips in the forthcoming January transfer window.

Pep Guardiola has made clear that the England international is not part of his plans after allowing him just four appearances in the Premier League this season, all as a substitute. The player is understood to have accepted he must leave the Etihad Stadium to secure his place in England’s squad for Euro 2024 having failed to make a first-team breakthrough under Pep Guardiola since his switch from Leeds United last summer.

According to Football Insider, Newcastle United are the frontrunners for the signature of Kalvin Phillips but face competition from Serie A giants Juventus. Tottenham Hotspur, who are in the market for a central midfielder, have been linked with the Manchester City man too.

Phillips, 28, is more likely to leave Man City on loan rather than in on a permanent deal in January, as he seeks to revive his career elsewhere. Any club willing to sign the England midfielder must meet Man City’s £7.5million loan fee demands next month, the report adds.

Kalvin Phillips to Newcastle—Can he help Eddie Howe’s side push for top four finish?

Newcastle have lost some way in the race for top four since the last month, tasting five defeats in their last eight games whilst being dumped out of the Champions League and Carabao Cup. Eddie Howe has been unlucky with injuries this season with some of them being long term. He has regularly stated his discontentment with not having the luxury to rotate his squad and the look of his bench.

There is an opportunity for the Magpies to make signings in the January transfer window. Eddie Howe must demand the board to help his squad before it falls apart at a crucial time. One area he should look to improve is the midfield unit. Injuries to Joe Willock, Joelinton, Elliot Andersen and Sean Longstaff at some point have hampered the team’s consistency, while Sandro Tonali has been slapped with a 10-month ban for gambling violations.

Man City’s Kalvin Phillips has emerged as a target for Newcastle. Having barely enjoyed game time in the Premier League this season, Phillips needs to move on from City in search of regular playing opportunities and moving to Newcastle could be ideal for him. The England international has proven himself in the English top flight with Leeds United in the past, and he could get his career back on track with regular football under the tutelage of Eddie Howe.

A defensive midfielder by trade, the 28-year-old would be ideal to fill in for the suspended Tonali whilst adding some much-needed depth to the midfield department. Phillips wants to book his place in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the European Championship next summer, and a temporary move to Newcastle will certainly boost his chances of doing so. Also, he could help the Magpies in their quest for a top-four finish this season.

That being said, Newcastle must do everything possible to sign Phillips on a six-month loan from City next month.