Newcastle United will reportedly make a move for Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips when the January transfer window opens for business.
There was a scramble for the England international's signature in the summer of 2022 when it became clear that he would be leaving Leeds United, with Man City ultimately winning the race.
The 27-year-old has struggled to make his mark for the Citizens, though, featuring on just 29 occasions for the club, failing to score or register an assist.
Phillips has made just eight appearances this term, with four of those coming in the Premier League, totalling just 89 minutes of England's top flight in 2023-24.
The midfielder continues to be selected by England, but he has been told by Three Lions head coach Gareth Southgate that he needs regular action in the second half of the campaign to be in the squad for next summer's European Championship.
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Phillips has only featured in one of Man City's last five Premier League matches, and he was again an unused substitute against Chelsea in the league last time out.
Citizens head coach Pep Guardiola has insisted that he would not have a problem with Phillips making a switch to a Premier League rival, and according to The Northern Echo, Newcastle are lining up a mid-season move.
The report claims that the Magpies view signing a central midfielder as a priority, as Sandro Tonali will not play again this season due to a suspension relating to betting offences.
Elliot Anderson is also out for a long period with a back problem, and Eddie Howe's side are expected to make an offer to loan Phillips for the second half of the campaign.
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Man City could allegedly ask for a mandatory purchase to be included in the deal, with Phillips moving to St James' Park on a permanent deal next summer.
Phillips has also been linked with a move to Juventus, but Newcastle are seemingly the clear favourites, with the midfielder keen to remain in the Premier League.
The Englishman represented Leeds between 2010 and 2022, making 234 appearances in all competitions, scoring 14 goals and registering 13 assists in the process.
Phillips is currently with the Three Lions squad preparing for their final two Euro 2024 qualification matches against Malta and North Macedonia.
Man City will be back in Premier League action against Liverpool on November 25, while Newcastle will resume their league duties at home to Chelsea on the same afternoon.
Matt Law
