Newcastle United are expected to be busy in the January transfer window.
Though the seemingly age-old problem of FFP limitations continue to linger, a mounting injury crisis and Sandro Tonali’s ten-month suspension prevented Eddie Howe from naming a particularly strong bench away at Wolves on Saturday.
With that in mind, it would hardly be a surprise to see Newcastle spend again at the turn of the year, with PIF having invested in every transfer window they’ve had in ownership of the club thus far.
To that end, one name continues to be linked.
Manchester City and England midfielder Kalvin Phillips is frequently touted as a target.
Kalvin Phillips to Newcastle: Man City set price tag
Still, signing the player will not be easy.
Pep Guardiola has spoken about Phillips in positive terms even despite his total lack of involvement at City and it seems those at the club still value him.
Indeed, according to the print edition of the Sunday Mirror (page 68 on 29/10/2023), the Premier League champions are ready to demand as much as £50m for the player.
Newcastle are again touted as a landing spot in the report, though it also mentions Liverpool, Juventus, West Ham and Aston Villa as interested parties.
Kalvin Phillips: Newcastle will not be held to ransom
Quite why City believe Phillips has added £8m to his value following a £42m move to the club in the summer of 2022 is up for debate.
Clearly, City are never going to make it easy for a monied Premier League club to sign one of their players but that does seem a little too much for someone who has not at all impressed.
The onus must fall onto Phillips himself. If he’s that keen to bank first-team football ahead of Euro 2024, he must surely push for a move, with that kind of price tag looking somewhat prohibitive.
Newcastle do need to strengthen in midfield following Tonali’s ban but they have previously proven they are not prepared to be held to ransom in the transfer market.
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