Kalvin Phillips' Man City future: Italian giants lead race amid Premier League interest

The January transfer window is just around the corner and Italian giants Juventus lead the battle to sign Manchester City and England midfielder Kalvin Phillips.

Phillips joined City from Leeds United for £42million last summer but has been limited to just two Premier League starts since his arrival. A lack of game-time at City and Pep Guardiola publicly admitting the midfielder isn't part of his plans moving forward is set to see Phillips leave the club after 18 months.

Reports in the national press claim that before Phillips makes any decision over his future, he wants guarantees over his playing time.

What has the Man City boss said?

"I don't know what will happen [in January]," Guardiola said about Phillips. "I feel so sorry for my decisions for him, I said many times. He doesn’t deserve not to give him minutes.

"I'm so sorry. It’s him I am asking for good personality, good character, thinking about the end. This is a perfect example. After that I have to give him something, I didn’t do that. It’s just because I visualise something, I visualise the team and things, I struggle a little bit to see him, that’s all.

"But when a young guy behaves [badly], I don't care. The way he behaves with his mates, I care. Hopefully, he can turn around and I have said many times, I don’t know what will happen in January. If he stays I am more than pleased because he trains really good and he is a lovely guy."

Newcastle United have been strongly linked with a move for the England international. But head coach Eddie Howe denied any deal for Phillips was close, with Serie A giants Juventus understood to be leading the race for his signature.