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Kalvin Phillips is likely to leave Manchester City in January, despite interest from Newcastle United and Everton.
Since signing from Leeds United in July 2022, the 27-year-old has had a rough 15 months at the Etihad Stadium, starting only five of his 26 games for the Citizens across all competitions.
Last season, Phillips struggled to establish himself as a first-team regular due to injuries and the remarkable form of fellow midfield lynchpin Rodri.
When Rodri received a three-match domestic ban for violent conduct last month, many expected Pep Guardiola to give Phillips a chance in the starting lineup; the England international played the full 90 minutes in an EFL Cup defeat to Newcastle but was dropped to the substitutes’ bench for games against RB Leipzig, Wolverhampton Wanderers, and Arsenal.
Guardiola has instead relied on summer signings Mateo Kovacic and Matheus Nunes in central midfield, as well as 18-year-old versatile full-back Rico Lewis, with Bernardo Silva playing in a deeper role beside Lewis in last weekend’s loss to Arsenal.
Eddie Howe already has a plethora of midfield options at his disposal, including Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali, Sean Longstaff, Joelinton, Elliot Anderson, and Joe Willock – the latter of whom is currently injured – but the Magpies manager could be tempted to sign another in the New Year, especially if his side is still competing in the Champions League while juggling domestic responsibilities.
Everton has also been linked to Phillips, but due to the club’s present financial situation and uncertainties over ownership, a loan move would be the only possible option.
Another club associated with Phillips is Arsenal, with one report saying that Mikel Arteta has chosen the Yorkshireman as his priority midfield target for 2024.
Kalvin Phillips wants to leave Eithad
Kalvin Phillips has also been linked with moves to Liverpool and West Ham United. He is currently on international duty with England ahead of a friendly against Australia and two Euro 2024 qualifiers against Italy and Malta later this month.
If Manchester City decides to break ways with Phillips, Guardiola’s team may increase their interest in Benfica’s 19-year-old midfielder Joao Neves.
