With Euro 2024 just around the corner, a lot of players are going to have to make big decisions on their futures.
The idea of representing your country at an international tournament has to be the dream for many players, potentially forcing their hands.
Take Kalvin Phillips for example.
The Manchester City midfielder has admitted he may have to leave the club in pursuit of first-team football to prepare for England’s campaign in Germany next summer.
Strongly linked with a move to Newcastle United – so much so that Dan Ashworth is said to have held a meeting with his agents – some more insight has now emerged.
Kalvin Phillips transfer news: How much money Newcastle target is prepared to give up
Indeed, The Sun suggest Phillips has now accepted he will need to leave the Etihad Stadium.
In fact, the 27-year-old is reportedly willing to cut his £150k-per-week wages in half in order to secure a move elsewhere to prepare for the Euros.
For their part, City would be prepared to loan him out in January as long as that leads to a permanent move this summer.
Kalvin Phillips to Newcastle: The smartest signing Magpies could make in January
While there is always an element of risk when it comes to transfers, the one attached to Phillips looks minimal at the very least.
Already proven in the Premier League and familiar with the likes of Kieran Trippier, Callum Wilson and Nick Pope at international level, he has the tools to hit the ground running, at least on paper.
Though Bruno Guimaraes is playing the deeper midfield role at the moment, he has previously admitted he would like to operate further forward. With Sandro Tonali’s situation uncertain, that might be something to consider.
Should Newcastle sign Phillips, perhaps that could soon become a reality.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
