“He can leave during the next transfer window, he’s not needed anymore. He was a good player but now he’s just a bench warming flop” – Manchester City is approving the exit of one of their key first-team players for a fee of only €50million

“He can leave during the next transfer window, he’s not needed anymore. He was a good player but now he’s just a bench warming flop” – Manchester City is approving the exit of one of their key first-team players for a fee of only €50million.

Newcastle United is actively pursuing a January loan deal for 27-year-old Manchester City midfielder, Kalvin Phillips, according to a report from Football Insider. Phillips, who is currently down the pecking order at Manchester City, is eager to secure more regular first-team playing time and is exploring options for a move away from the club.

Phillips originally rose through the ranks at Leeds United and made a significant impact during his time there, playing a crucial role in their promotion to the Premier League. However, his promising stint at Manchester City, which began in the summer of 2022, has not unfolded as expected.

Expectations were high for Phillips under the guidance of Pep Guardiola, but he has struggled to gain the manager’s trust and has received limited opportunities during his 15-month tenure at the club. While City was open to offloading him during the summer, Phillips was determined to compete for a place in the starting lineup. Nonetheless, his situation remains largely unchanged. This season, he has featured in only six matches, accumulating a mere 168 minutes on the pitch. Consequently, the 27-year-old is now actively seeking an exit from Manchester City.

Phillips’ primary goal is to secure regular first-team football as he aims to maintain his spot in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the Euro 2024 in Germany. Although there is significant interest in the midfielder, Manchester City is unlikely to allow him to leave on the cheap.

Concurrently, Newcastle United is among the clubs expressing interest in Phillips and is actively exploring a short-term loan deal for the player. The Magpies find themselves in need of a new midfielder due to a 10-month suspension handed to their marquee summer signing, Sandro Tonali, for his involvement in illegal betting. Tonali’s ban means he won’t be available until the start of the next season, prompting Newcastle to seek a replacement. While they are keen on Phillips, the club is looking to secure him on a short-term loan, primarily due to financial fair play (FFP) constraints.

The report indicates that Manchester City is not likely to obstruct Phillips’ departure, and the player is reportedly eager to join Newcastle. Such a move would be mutually beneficial, affording Phillips the desired regular playing time while potentially raising his market value, potentially triggering a bidding war during the summer transfer window. This development offers an interesting storyline to watch in the coming transfer window.