27-year-old Newcastle wanted this summer now set to start against them tonight

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Newcastle face a tough tie against treble-winners Manchester City tonight, and they will encounter one of their summer transfer targets.

Eddie Howe was reportedly interested in signing Ciy midfielder Kalvin Phillips, who has had a nightmare spell since his move from Leeds United a year ago, and Newcastle’s interest remains in the event he becomes available in January.

Phillips is yet to start for City this season, but Pep Guardiola has confirmed that he will start in the Carabao Cup clash tonight, with main defensive midfielder suspended.

Guardiola also admitted that he has failed to get the best out of Phillips so far, but his performance tonight could have a major impact on what happens to him in January.

“The club spoke with him because he did not have many minutes. He said ‘no, I want to stay’,” Guardiola claimed.

“We brought Kalvin here for his quality. He is open minded, always wants to learn and wants to help. This is what we want to try to do.”

A double audition?

Newcastle will be watching Phillips with interest tonight for a number of reasons. If he does well against Howe’s side, then City may wish to keep him beyond January as a squad option.

If the England international cannot deliver against Newcastle, then City may not see him as reliable cover, and could then be open to loaning him out. Given Newcastle’s interest before, they could then come back in for him.

However, if Phillips performs particularly poorly, it may be a warning sign to Newcastle that he is a player they should steer clear of even if he does become available.

Phillips will therefore be under the microscope for both clubs tonight, and his display could have ramifications for a potential future at either club.

Newcastle reached the Carabao Cup final last season, but with extra European fixtures this season, it remains to be seen whether Howe has the depth at his disposal to go on a cup run.