Newcastle United are reportedly preparing to make a move for Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips in the upcoming January transfer window.
The former Leeds United man has struggled to nail down his place at the club, having started just two Premier League matches for Pep Guardiola's side since his arrival in Manchester last year.
After choosing to compete for his position in the starting lineup following a disappointing debut season, Phillips might now be enticed by the prospect of a move to Newcastle during the upcoming transfer window.
The Northern Echo reports that Eddie Howe's side are exploring options to reinforce their defensive-midfield choices, and they have pinpointed the 27-year-old as a potential candidate.
The report adds that if the player opts to leave the league champions in the summer, The Magpies will look to secure his services either as a permanent deal or on loan with the intention of making it a permanent move next summer.
Despite signing Sandro Tonali for £52m in the summer, Newcastle have used him in a more attacking role, while Bruno Guimaraes, who is often deployed as the deepest midfielder, is more effectively utilised in a more advanced position.
Over his eight-year tenure in the Leeds first team, Phillips solidified his position as one of England's most sought-after holding midfielders, prompting The Cityzens to shell out around £42m to bring him to the Etihad.
However, given his ongoing challenges in securing a spot in Guardiola's squad, a transfer may now be a plausible option.
Devesh Jaganath
