Newcastle United have now hit two stumbling blocks in their pursuit of Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips ahead of the January transfer window.
The Magpies have lost Sandro Tonali to suspension and may be in the market for another midfielder in January.
Links to Ruben Neves have slowed down of late and Newcastle could now look elsewhere to bolster Eddie Howe’s squad.
Kalvin Phillips is one name which won’t go away but Newcastle now appear to be facing a couple of issues as they target the Manchester City man.
Kalvin Phillips to Newcastle United faces stumbling blocks
The Mirror now report that Phillips is a ‘growing’ target for Newcastle but there are a couple of problems.
One of them is that Manchester City want to recoup the majority of his £135,000-a-week wages.
Newcastle are up against Financial Fair Play restrictions and may not be able to commit to such a deal – even if only on loan.
City are seeking a £5million loan fee too, meaning Newcastle would have to cough up a decent chunk of cash.
It’s added that City would want a commitment for a permanent deal down the line, whereas Eddie Howe doesn’t want to be tied into such an agreement.
Phillips joined City from Leeds United for £45million in 2022 but has struggled for first-team opportunities under Pep Guardiola.
Euro 2024 is on the horizon and Phillips needs to be playing in order to nail down a starting role in Gareth Southgate’s side.
Described as ‘exceptional’ by pundit Danny Higginbotham, Phillips needs to get back to his best and play regular Premier League football once again.
Newcastle can offer that opportunity and reports in November suggested that Phillips fancied a move to St James’ Park.
There are some hurdles to clear though with City and Newcastle seemingly not quite on the same page ahead of the January transfer window.
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