Newcastle favourites to land Man City star next month

Manchester City return to Premier League action when they face in-form Everton on Wednesday evening. 

The Citizens didn’t feature in the last round of league fixtures as they were participating in the Club World Cup, which they won courtesy of a 4-0 win over Brazilian side Fluminense in the final on Friday.

Their absence from domestic football allowed their title rivals to take advantage in the race to the top of the Premier League table, with Pep Guardiola’s side now sitting fifth in the standings.

Leaders Arsenal are currently six points clear of the reigning champions, although the Manchester outfit do have a game-in-hand over the Gunners.

Now, it appears that one of City’s fringe players could be on his way to a Premier League rival.

Phillips could join Newcastle United on loan in January

As per Football Insider, Newcastle United are currently the frontrunners to sign midfielder Kalvin Phillips next month.

The England international joined City from boyhood club Leeds United back in 2021 but has endured a tough spell in Manchester.

It is claimed that the Magpies are currently the most likely of any potential suitor to sign the Englishman, who has made just 31 appearances for Guardiola’s side since moving to The Etihad.

Phillips, 28, is likely to depart Manchester on an initial loan, however the report claims that Everton were quoted as much as £7.5 million in loan fees when they enquired about Phillips’ availability last summer.

Fellow Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur are also believed to be monitoring the situation and could make a move to sign Phillips, with manager Ange Postecoglou keen to bolster his midfield options following another injury to Rodrigo Bentancur.

Phillips’ current contract is set to run until 2028, but it appears almost certain that he will depart the club before that date.