Forgotten Man City man emerges as surprise target for Bundesliga giants

England face Australia in a pre-season friendly on Friday, before resuming their Euro 2024 qualification campaign against Italy on Tuesday.

Gareth Southgate’s side have started the campaign strongly and currently sit top of Group C, six points clear of second-placed Italy who have a game-in-hand.

The Three Lions beat the reigning European champions back in March, with goals from Declan Rice and captain Harry Kane earning England a 2-1 win.

Both players will likely start against Italy once again on Tuesday, but the friendly against Australia on Friday could allow Southgate to give opportunities to some of his fringe players.

Kalvin Phillips is one of those who could be involved on Friday, and it appears that the midfielder has now attracted interest from one of Europe’s biggest clubs.

Phillips has emerged as a target for Bayern Munich

According to BILD’s Christian Falk, German side Bayern Munich are considering a January move for the Manchester City man.

Phillips, 27, joined City from boyhood club Leeds United last summer but has so far struggled for game time in Manchester.

The midfielder has made just 26 appearances for the Citizens across all competitions, and has only played three times in the Premier League so far this term.

Last time out, Phillips was an unused substitute as City lost 1-0 to Arsenal, with manager boss Pep Guardiola substituting defender John Stones on as a midfielder ahead of Phillips.

Falk claims that the Englishman is one of a number of players being considered by the Bundesliga champions as they look for potential targets ahead of the upcoming mid-season transfer window.

Despite his severe lack of playing time at club level, Phillips remains a regular for England on the international scene.

His current contract with City is set to run until 2028, but he faces an extremely uncertain future at the club if his playing time does not increase.