29 August 2023 , 13:53
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Alan Shearer believes Liverpool could sign Kalvin Phillips before the transfer window slams shut if Manchester City can complete a deal for Matheus Nunes.
City are hoping to make the Wolves star their fourth summer signing after Mateo Kovacic, Josko Gvardiol and Jeremy Doku and Nunes has gone on strike in an attempt to force through the move.
Wolves are demanding more than £60m for the midfielder, who they signed from Sporting Lisbon for £38m last summer, and have already rejected a bid worth £47m from City. Pep Guardiola already has several options in midfield, with Kovacic coming in to replace Ilkay Gundogan, leading Shearer to suggest City's pursuit of Nunes is to cover for the potential departure of Phillips.
The England international made a big money move to City from Leeds last year, but made just four starts as they won a historic Treble. Phillips has also been an unused substitute in City's first five games this season, leading to speculation he could leave the club with Liverpool said to be interested in his services.
Speaking on the Rest is Football podcast, Shearer suggested Phillips could still end up at Anfield this summer. He said: "Do you think that because Man City are trying to sign Nunes from Wolves that means Kalvin Phillips is going to go somewhere possibly Liverpool?
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"Only I mention that Micah [Richards], because you mentioned signings, I think that's one that could happen if City get him from Wolves then that would free up Kalvin Phillips to go somewhere."
However, Phillips has previously stated he wants to fight for his place at City, believing he can follow in the footsteps of team-mates Jack Grealish and Nathan Ake who needed a year to establish themselves after joining the club. "I came to Manchester City to win trophies and we won the trophies but I didn't play as much as I wanted to do," he said in June.
"My intention is to stay there. 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.
Manchester City are attempting to sign Matheus Nunes and Shearer believes that deal could pave the way for Kalvin Phillips to join Liverpool (Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)"As you have seen with many players at City, it can take quite a while to cement yourself into the team. Hopefully I will enjoy my off season and then work hard when I get back. I've had injuries as well but City have been amazing in helping me get fit.
"I know how difficult it is to understand the way Pep wants to play and how quickly you need to adapt to play in his system. I am on the brink of almost getting it. Obviously there is a little bit of work in pre-season and hopefully be alright. I spoke to quite a few of the players about it. Nathan Ake being one, Jack [Grealish].
"They all said the same; they all said the first 12 months were the hardest of their City careers but after that it…it doesn't become easy, but easier. I'm just going to go away for the off-season and enjoy myself with my family and girlfriend and friends and then come back fighting."