Danny Murphy thinks £42m Newcastle target should leave this summer

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Kalvin Phillips has made it pretty clear that he wants to stay at Manchester City this summer rather than join Newcastle United.

The Magpies previously made an approach for the midfielder, but were frustrated to find out that he wants to remain at the Etihad.

Eddie Howe’s side continue to keep an eye on the situation, in the hope that they can bring Phillips to St James’ Park on loan. However, the 27-year-old has spoke out about his future, admitting that he wants to continue being a Man City player.

That is despite barely playing during his first year at the club after arriving for £42million. But Phillips has taken advice from the likes of Jack Grealish, who also struggled during his first year with Pep Guardiola’s side.

However, former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy does not think that Phillips can draw any comparisons between himself and Grealish.

Danny Murphy would leave Man City if he was Kalvin Phillips

Speaking on TalkSPORT, Murphy has explained why he thinks Phillips should leave Man City this summer.

“It’s not comparable,” he said.

“I understand why he’s trying to use that for inspiration, but it’s not comparable because what Jack Grealish did is learn on the job by playing football.

“Although his first season wasn’t as productive and successful as his second, he was still out there learning.

“You don’t learn anywhere near as much on the training pitch as you do on the football pitch. I’m telling you that now. It doesn’t matter who you’re training with or who’s coaching you.”

Murphy added: “If I was him, I think you’d have to be realistic and understand that it hasn’t worked. If he wants to give up another year doing the same thing, fair enough. That’s up to him. If he’s had a conversation with Pep that maybe we don’t know about – ‘look, I’m going to use you more’ – then of course you’re going to stay. It’s the most successful team.

“But I personally – if I went a season at any club where i was playing that little, I left. I manufactured a way out.

“He’s a good player. There will be plenty of takers for him.”

Tough decision for Phillips

It is easy to see where Murphy is coming from. He is right about the Grealish comparisons, as he did play a lot of football in his first year despite struggling. It is only last season that he was given a lot more responsibility from Guardiola.

But Phillips did suffer with injury, which massively hindered his minutes. If he wants to stay another year and try to prove himself at Man City then fair play. Why shouldn’t he?

Even if he were to join Newcastle, there is no guarantees he would be a starter at St James’ Park either. Howe’s midfield was excellent last season, and it is now even stronger following the arrival of Sandro Tonali.

Murphy thinks Phillips should seek a move away from Man City, and that is exactly what Newcastle want him to do. However, it does not look at all likely at this moment in time.