Newcastle plotting move for Man City midfielder

Manchester City return to action on Saturday when they welcome Brighton and Hove Albion to The Etihad. 

Pep Guardiola’s side have lost their last two league games – against Wolves and Arsenal – leaving them third in the table, two points behind leaders Tottenham Hotspur.

The Citizens will face a stern test against the Seagulls, who have impressed since the arrival of Roberto De Zerbi last year.

Off the pitch, speculation surrounding the future of midfielder Kalvin Phillips remains rife.

Now, it appears that a fellow Premier League club could be preparing a move for the Englishman.

According to Football Insider, Newcastle United are plotting a new move for Phillips, who continues to struggle for game time in Manchester.

The 27-year-old joined City from boyhood club Leeds United last summer, but has failed to establish himself as a regular in Guardiola’s side.

Phillips remains a target for Newcastle United

In total he has made just 26 appearances across all competitions, including just five so far this term totalling just 167 minutes.

Despite failing to start a Premier League match so far this term, Phillips remains a regular in the England squad having featured during the recent international break.

The report claims that the Magpies are plotting a January move for the midfielder, as they prepare for Sandro Tonali to potentially face a lengthy ban.

Tonali is currently being investigated by Italian football authorities over alleged betting offences, and those in charge of Newcastle are therefore identifying potential replacements.

It is also claimed that Newcastle have been admirers of Phillips for some time now, and even considered a move during the player’s time at former club Leeds.

Phillips, who cost City a reported £45 million when joining the club last year, is currently contracted to City until 2028.