15 January 2024 , 12:14
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Kalvin Phillips fears that he could be priced out of a move away from Manchester City this month - even if it's on loan.
The England international is desperate for more minutes ahead of this summer's Euros in Germany. Phillips, 28, has only made two Premier League starts for City since his £45million transfer from boyhood club Leeds in the summer of 2022.
Pep Guardiola continues to snub the midfielder but Etihad chiefs aren't willing to let him go easily. According to ESPN, the Treble winners are demanding a £7m loan fee plus an obligation to sign Phillips permanently once the summer transfer window opens.
City's talks with Italian giants Juventus are said to have stalled because of those demands, while known admirers Newcastle - still blighted by injuries in midfield - are yet to make an official approach. The reigning Premier League and European champions believe their valuation is fair due to Phillips' status as an established England international, and they're happy to keep him in Guardiola's squad until the summer.
The 28-year-old former Leeds star has already received a public apology from his manager, who admitted in December: "I don't know what's going to happen [in January]. I feel so sorry for my decision for him. I've said that many times. He doesn't deserve what has happened to him and I'm so sorry.
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"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.
Your turn! Which club should give in to Manchester City's demands? Give us your prediction in the comments section.
Pep Guardiola has apologised to Kalvin Phillips in public (Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)"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."
Gareth Southgate was asked about Phillips' situation during the most recent England camp in November, and the Three Lions boss replied: "For any player that's not playing football, it's about their careers. England is a consequence of your club, but you also want fulfilment. If you're in training every day then you want to play. He's playing with world-class players at his club. I completely understand why he's not getting games."