While Newcastle United have a lot of football to play between now and the opening of the January transfer window, links refuse to go away.
Indeed, Kalvin Phillips continues to be touted as a target, such is the need to strengthen in midfield following Sandro Tonali’s ban from football until August.
The England international was linked during the summer and appears prepared to leave Manchester City, with Newcastle said to be leading the race.
On paper, it looks a reasonably routine deal to complete. Reportedly keen to join the Magpies in a bid to boost his chances of starting at Euro 2024, City are said to be open to the idea of letting him move.
Eddie Howe, however, was asked directly about the state of play.
Kalvin Phillips: Eddie Howe addresses Newcastle transfer rumours
Speaking at Tuesday’s press conference ahead of Wednesday’s huge Champions League game with AC Milan, Howe was asked if the Phillips deal was close to completion.
As ever, the Newcastle boss responded in typically evasive fashion.
“That’s incorrect,” he said (via Lee Ryder) when asked if Phillips was close to a move.
Kalvin Phillips to Newcastle: Transfer move should be urgent
It’s hard to think of a deal where everyone wins more than Phillips joining Newcastle.
Not only do City create more space in their squad by clearing out a player Pep Guardiola clearly doesn’t rate enough to put in his side despite paying £42m to sign him, but Phillips gets the chance to hit the ground running at a big club with enough time to prepare for Euro 2024.
Newcastle, meanwhile, get cover and competition in a position they are believed to view as a priority in terms of strengthening in January.
Phillips starred at Leeds and remains valued at England level, so it’s not as if they would be picking up a busted flush.
Hopefully, Howe’s evasive answer to the press isn’t a complete denial of the potential of a move.
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