14 October 2023 , 21:30
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Kalvin Phillips is yet to decide whether he will leave Manchester City in the January transfer window.
The 27-year-old has played just 70 minutes of Premier League action this season and has started just two top-flight matches since sealing his £45million transfer from Leeds back in July 2022. He is, however, mindful that his place in Gareth Southgate's Euro 2024 squad is under threat - even though the Three Lions' boss continues to select him despite his alarming lack of playing time.
Phillips played the final 30 minutes of England's 1-0 friendly victory over Australia at Wembley Stadium on Friday evening despite heavy rotation. The former Leeds lynchpin was brutally overlooked for full-back Rico Lewis during Rodri's recent three-match suspension, sparking doubts as to whether he is even rated by Guardiola.
The Spaniard has previously been critical of his player, who he claimed had returned from the 2022 World Cup "overweight" last season. That said, the England international remains determined to prove his worth at City and is confident he can make an impression if he is handed the chance to shine despite transfer links with Newcastle and Everton.
Sources have downplayed suggestions Phillips has already chosen to leave the treble-winners this January, although the likelihood of a winter transfer is growing increasingly stronger. City proposed a loan move for Phillips this summer but the combative midfielder vowed to fight for his place at the Etihad Stadium.
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The Premier League champions are thought to once again be open to the prospect of a loan departure, however, a permanent sale may prove favourable given Phillips is still yet to make his mark in Manchester. His representatives CAA Stellar are now expected to field calls over the availability of their client ahead of the January transfer window.
Phillips is unlikely to be short of suitors if he does opt to quit the Etihad Stadium as he has previously attracted admirers at a number of top Premier League clubs. Bayern Munich also shortlisted Phillips this summer before eventually pursuing a deal for Fulham's Joao Palhinha.
The Bavarian giants are expected to reignite their interest in Palhinha - who completed a medical in Munich on deadline day before the deal collapsed in the final hours of the window - this winter. Should they fail to entice Fulham into a sale, Phillips' name could resurface as one possible alternative target.