- EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey
Talks between Manchester City and Newcastle United over Kalvin Phillips are at a standstill, HITC Football understands.
Newcastle United and Manchester City were expected to progress in talks this week for Kalvin Phillips to move to St James’ Park but this has not happened as of yet.
Manchester City picked up a vital 3-2 win at St James’ Park over the weekend with Kevin De Bruyne proving to be vital on his return to the team.
This doesn’t look to be the only blow for Eddie Howe’s side, who led 2-1 against the current Premier League champions, as sources now understand that the deal between City and Newcastle for Phillips has stalled.
Phillips standstill
HITC revealed last week that the two clubs were set for talks over the weekend following their Premier League clash at St James’ Park and we understand that talks did indeed take place.
However, these talks did not have a happy ending as there has been very limited progression between the two sides over a deal with the Geordie side unwilling to meet City’s current demands.
HITC Football understands these demands include a £5 million loan fee with the vast majority of Phillips’ £150,000 a week wages covered by the Geordie outfit.
Newcastle have baulked at these demands as it stands and have told City that FFP rules prevent them from doing such a deal. Ideally, City would also like an obligation to put into any deal.
Phillips’ stance
A move away from Manchester was mooted in the summer but the Englishman, after making just 21 appearances in all competition for the Citizens, which included 12 league appearances as he clocked in just 290 minutes of football in these games, decided to stay put.
This season, Phillips has featured in 10 games in all competitions, including four Champions League fixtures and the English midfielder has accepted that a move away from Manchester is probably best for his career.
Phillips and his representatives have discussed their options and sources have confirmed that they believe a move further north to Newcastle would be the preferred choice.
Several other clubs are being linked, including the likes of Crystal Palace, Fulham and West Ham United – but City’s demands would be way out of their reach too at this point.
A switch abroad is possible, but again City’s asking price is not reasonable enough for anyone to enter negotiations at this moment in time.
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