Jamie Carragher thinks 28-year-old would be a ‘good signing’ for Newcastle in January

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Jamie Carragher believes that Kalvin Phillips would be a sensible signing for Newcastle United in January, but does have one concern.

The Magpies appear to be stepping up their interest in the 28-year-old, with Manchester City now willing to let the midfielder sign for Newcastle on loan. They are not going to stand in his way, and it has been reported that Eddie Howe’s side are confident about completing a deal.

Getting Kalvin Phillips on loan would be a strong start to January, as the Magpies have been light in midfield ever since the beginning of Sandro Tonali‘s suspension. The former Leeds man can fill the void left by the Italian, and will be eager to impress as he aims to go to Euro 2024 with England.

It seems like such a sensible signing, but former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has raised one concern.

Jamie Carragher asks interesting Kalvin Phillips question

Carragher has wrote about Newcastle in his latest column for the Telegraph, and commented on the Magpies’ interest in Kalvin Phillips.

Newcastle are being linked with a January move for Kalvin Phillips,” he wrote.

“He would be a good signing.

“That does not alter the fact he is a player City do not want, and other top-four sides looking for defensive midfielders chose not to pursue.”

Newcastle clearly see something special in Phillips

I see what Carragher is saying, but I don’t think his point really matters.

No, Man City do not want him. But Pep Guardiola already has the best defensive midfielder in world football, while they won the quadruple last season. There is no shame in not being deemed good enough for that team.

Nor does it matter that the biggest teams in the division are not targeting Phillips. That is hardly a mark of quality. None of the Premier League’s elite challenged us for Bruno Guimaraes, Alexander Isak or Sven Botman, but I bet they all wish they had now.

Obviously this scenario is slightly different as Phillips’ situation is clear for all to see, but the fact that our rivals are not bidding for him should not deter us.

Newcastle need to be clever in the transfer market, and their ability to identify talent since the change of ownership has been commendable. While Phillips is certainly no big secret, the club obviously see something in him to make them believe he can be a hit at St James’ Park.