Kalvin Phillips continues to wait on his future at Manchester City but a move to Newcastle United remains the most likely scenario for the England midfielder, HITC Football understands.
City have made it clear to Kalvin Phillips that he can leave the club this month, but they have also outlined to him and prospective suitors it will be on their terms.
Sources have confirmed to HITC Football that Newcastle have held initial talks and they are keen to bring Phillips to St James’ Park this month.
Newcastle to make room
It is believed that Newcastle would ideally like to generate some space in their squad before bringing Phillips in and that could come from the likely departure of Isaac Hayden in the coming week.
Whilst Manchester City would ideally like a permanent deal they will accept a loan move, but that will be dependent on how much of Phillips’ wages Newcastle would take and more importantly any options that would include – in terms of triggering a permanent deal.
Howe talked over the weekend about any possible transfer business at Newcastle, but he was not willing to talk about Phillips directly.
“It’s something we’re working on behind the scenes. There’s a lot of work going on in the recruitment team with us. That will never stop regardless of how active you are in the market,” said Howe.
“Currently, there is nothing to give you, no details.”
Not cup-tied
One interesting aspect from City’s weekend FA Cup win over Huddersfield was Phillips’s lack of involvement, but Pep Guardiola snapped at suggestions he was not involved merely to stop him being cup-tied.
“I don’t know,” he said when asked about Phillips’s future.
“He has been sick for the last five days, so he couldn’t train. I am not going to anticipate anything.”
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