Paris Saint-Germain are allegedly contemplating whether to make an approach for Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips.
Having made the switch to the Etihad Stadium from Leeds United for an initial £42m in 2022, Phillips had been expected to be provided with regular game time.
Instead, he has made just six starts and 25 substitute outings, Pep Guardiola himself admitting that a transfer elsewhere in January is a possibility.
The England international is not short of interest, yet difficulties could come from City's demands, even when it comes to a loan deal.
A recent report suggested that the Premier League champions want to generate a £5m loan fee and include an obligation to buy in any proposal.
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If City stay firm on those demands, that will allegedly make it difficult for the likes of Newcastle United to commit to a bid, with the same applying to Juventus who have endured well-documented financial difficulties.
From City's perspective, they will not mind having Phillips's services at their disposal for the remainder of the campaign, yet the player is said to be desperate for a move to boost his chances of representing England at Euro 2024.
According to Caught Offside, PSG may be prepared to enter the race for Phillips later in the transfer window.
The Ligue 1 leaders had been hoping to sign Gabriel Moscardo from Corinthians, but the youngster is set for a spell on the sidelines after a fracture of his foot was discovered during his medical.
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PSG will allegedly look to tie up that deal later in 2024, yet they have the issue of adding another midfielder to their ranks in the engine room for the time being.
That said, it is added that signing Phillips is not necessarily regarded as a priority at this stage, the indication being that other players could be targeted.
From Phillips's perspective, there is potential for him to be handed a rare start by Guardiola when City play host to Huddersfield Town in the FA Cup third round on Sunday.
Nevertheless, he has accumulated just 379 minutes of football in the Premier League with City, a further 165 minutes coming in the Champions League, and his chances of more game time in either competition are unlikely to improve.
Darren Plant
