Newcastle United are keen on the services of Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips, who is also on the radars of Aston Villa, Liverpool and Manchester United.
According to the Daily Mail, Newcastle United are keeping close tabs on the situation of Kalvin Phillips. The Magpies are aware that the Leeds United midfielder might consider his options in the summer after an injury-laden campaign that has proved to be quite catastrophic for his club.
With the prospects of relegation looming large, Leeds United’s potential return to the Championship could see Phillips depart Elland Road. It has put Newcastle United on red alert, though the Tyneside giants are joined by Aston Villa in the long list of clubs keen on the services of the England international.
The report suggests Newcastle were interested in Phillips even in the January transfer window. But their chances of landing the talented midfielder were slim in mid-season, especially given that the Magpies seemed set for a relegation battle at the time. Two months later, it appears the tables have turned, with Leeds United currently staring at the prospect of potential relegation.
They have even sacked Marcelo Bielsa and replaced him with Jesse Marsch, hoping to bring about a swift change in an attempt to save their season. However, with no end in sight for Leeds’ misery, the Whites may end up losing Phillips in the summer. The upcoming FIFA World Cup in Qatar in 2022 could almost make it essential for the midfielder to remain in the top flight.
Newcastle United are prepared to take advantage of this opportunity to sign the English international on a cut-price deal. Their coach Eddie Howe is aware of the 26-year-old’s talents and considers him as an upgrade over Jonjo Shelvey, even though the former Liverpool man himself has been in great form this year.
In addition to Newcastle United and Aston Villa, Phillips has become a target for almost every top club in England, including Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool. Manchester United are looking to bolster their midfield amid uncertainties surrounding the future of Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic, and have identified the Leeds United man as a target, along with Declan Rice.
As for Liverpool, they are looking to freshen up their options in the centre of the park with Jordan Henderson, James Milner and Thiago Alcantara all into their thirties. Even West Ham reportedly made a club-record bid for Phillips in January, which was swiftly rejected by Leeds United.
The Whites may have already started scouring the market for a potential replacement for Philips next season, having been linked with a swoop for Morgan Gibbs-White. The Wolves midfielder has made a positive impression on loan at Sheffield United and could raise a few eyebrows next season.
In the meantime, Leeds United must focus on getting their season back on track and attempt to retain their top-flight status come May. They are currently languishing at 16th in the league table, just two points away from the drop zone.
