Newcastle United have been linked with a move for out-of-favour Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips.
Kalvin Phillips is expected to leave Manchester City in the January transfer window. But a report from TEAMtalk has claimed that Newcastle United are struggling to come to an agreement with Manchester City.
What’s the Hold-Up in Negotiations Between Newcastle United and Manchester City?
Newcastle United are hoping to sign the player on a loan deal. But Manchester City are insisting on an obligation to buy clause to be inserted in the contract. At most, Newcastle are open to including an option to buy. But they are not ready to accept a mandatory clause.
The 28-year-old has struggled for regular game time at Manchester City, and a move away from the club would be ideal for him. Newcastle need to bring in midfield reinforcements, especially after the suspension of summer signing Sandro Tonali. Phillips is seen as the ideal replacement for the Italian international, and he will help them improve defensively.
Kalvin Phillips and His Manchester City Struggles
The English international was one of the finest defensive midfielders in the league during his time at Leeds United. But the move to Manchester City has simply not worked out. He has not been able to live up to the expectations since the £45 million move from Elland Road. So, it would be ideal for all parties to go separate ways now.
Phillips is still at the peak of his career, and he will want to get back to his best. Regular football at Newcastle United would be ideal for him. The midfielder will want to cement his place in the England starting lineup ahead of Euro 2024, and leaving Manchester City would be beneficial for him.
If Newcastle United can negotiate a deal with Manchester City to sign the player on loan for now and then sign him permanently for a nominal price in the summer, it could prove to be a masterstroke.
The 28-year-old midfielder is used to Premier League football, and he is likely to get back to his best once again with regular first-team action. Newcastle United must make the most of the opportunity and snap him up on a bargain.
Meanwhile, the Magpies will be hoping to secure Champions League qualification this season, and they need to improve their squad in January in order to finish in the top four. Someone like Phillips could make a big difference for them in the middle of the park.