09 December 2023 , 20:30
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Manchester City outcast Kalvin Phillips is a growing loan target for Newcastle in the January window after a potential move to Juventus ran into problems.
But the Toon are being held back by strict FFP rules with City keen to recoup the majority of the £135,000-a-week wages they pay Phillips as well as securing a loan fee in excess of £5million.
Ideally, City also want a commitment to buy Phillips from any of the loan-club options currently on the table after splashing £42m on the player 18 months ago. And that’s another sticking point for Eddie Howe who wants to keep his summer options open.
Newcastle are buckling under the strain of a first season back in the Champions League for 20 years, a crippling injury list as well as the expectation of competing for a first trophy since 1955.
It’s why Howe wants reinforcements in January but Newcastle have to tread carefully with their wage bill meaning a move for Phillips has to be compliant with FFP rules.
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Juventus are keen on Phillips yet while it’s understood boss Massimiliano Allegri wants the player for the second half of the season, Juve aren’t in a position to fully fund Phillips’ wages even though the former Leeds star is keen on a move to Serie A.
Phillips, 28, is desperate to be included in Gareth Southgate ’s England squad for Euro 2024 next summer. But that can only happen if he starts playing games with Guardiola expressing regret at not playing the defensive midfielder while admitting he can’t ”visualise” Phillips in his team.
"I don't know what's going to happen. I feel so sorry for my decision for him. I've said that many times," Guardiola explained. "He doesn't deserve what has happened to him and I'm so sorry.
Kalvin Phillips has started just five games for Man City (Getty Images)"The only thing I can say about him is I am asking for good personalities and characters and he is a perfect example. And after that I have to give him something and I didn't do that.
"It's just because I visualise some things and visualise the team and things - and I struggle to see him.
"I'm not very pleased [with myself] and I am so sorry for him. I will not say that [to him] because it is a business and I have to be a professional.
"But if one guy behaves [poorly], I don't care. But the way he behaves with the team-mates and everyone, I care. So that's why hopefully it can turn around. And I've said many times, if it comes to January and he stays, I'm more than pleased because he trains really good and he's a lovely guy and character."
That’s not good news for Phillips who has started only one of his eight City games this season, a 1-0 EFL Cup defeat at Newcastle in September.