Kalvin Phillips January transfer: Juventus & Newcastle interest, Man City stance & player’s admission

Manchester City don’t make many missteps in the transfer market, but even the most ardent Kalvin Phillips apologists would have to say that his move from Leeds United simply hasn’t worked out.

The midfielder may have retained his place in the England squad over the last 18 months, but he’s made just five starts for City since his £42m switch from Elland Road. Three of those were in cup competitions, while his only two league starts came after the title had been secured in May.

Pep Guardiola just doesn’t trust the 27-year-old to carry out his instructions, and a move away from City seems increasingly likely. Here’s the latest on Phillips' future…

Transfer options 

ManchesterWorld understands both Juventus and Newcastle United have expressed interest in taking Phillips on loan in January. A permanent move during the campaign looks unlikely for City’s no.4, who is wary of losing his spot in the England squad ahead of Euro 2024.

At present, it’s Juve who are the front runners, although things are at an early stage in the process and negotiations between the clubs are yet to really begin. The Serie A side have a dearth of midfield options following the suspensions administered to Nicolo Fagioli and Paul Pogba, while Manuel Locatelli and Fabio Miretti are out with knocks.

Neither injury is thought to be long term, but it does currently leave Juventus with just three options in central midfield. Therefore, the Old Lady have targeted Phillips as a possible temporary solution in January.

Other interest

Newcastle have also expressed their interest in the England international, with the Magpies suffering from similar problems. Sandro Tonali has been caught up in the Italian betting scandal, while no Premier League side have suffered more injuries than Newcastle this season.

Reports elsewhere have suggested West Ham United and Liverpool are interested in Phillips, although it’s unlikely City would help the latter to strengthen in January, with Jurgen Klopp’s side currently second in the table.

The player and club’s stance

Phillips’ desire to play regular football elsewhere isn't exactly a secret. The ex-Leeds man admitted in October that he may need to consider his options. “I know that I need to be playing games and competing every weekend. I'm going to have to make a decision on [my future] over the next months,” he told Channel 4 after England’s 3-1 win over Italy on 17 October.

As for City, they would have allowed Phillips to leave over the summer, but the player was insistent that he wanted to stay and fight for his place in the side after a disappointing first campaign at the Etihad.

“My intention is to stay there,” Phillips told ManchesterWorld in June. “We have just won the treble, so there is no reason for me to leave other than if I am not playing I will obviously have to think about it. I cannot give it 12 months and say ‘I am not playing so I am going to leave’.”

What Guardiola said

Guardiola was asked earlier this month if Phillips could potentially be handed a few starts in the coming weeks with John Stones injured. The Catalan managed to avoid giving a proper response - which is telling in itself - but instead Guardiola praised the player’s attitude.

“He is exceptional in many things and for my reasons - maybe I am completely wrong - didn't take minutes but never ever made an action with a bad face or trained bad. Never ever,” explained the City boss.

“I would love [ to start him]. I would love to give him as much minutes as possible and when he plays I'm delighted because he deserves the best in life respecting his profession.”