Newcastle transfer news: Target Kieran Trippier loves is still behaving incredibly

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In relative terms, the January transfer window is just around the corner.

Newcastle United, as ever, are expected to be busy.

With the situation surrounding Sandro Tonali currently uncertain and PIF having invested in every transfer window thus far, links with a move for Kalvin Phillips are ramping up.

Indeed, it was recently suggested that Newcastle sporting director Dan Ashworth had held a meeting with the Manchester City player’s agents ahead of a potential January swoop.

Now, City boss Pep Guardiola has spoken on the former Leeds man’s future.

Newcastle transfer news: Kalvin Phillips latest

Last month, Guardiola confirmed Phillips had rejected a loan move away from the club he joined for £42m last summer.

Reportedly keen to make a success of things at the Etihad Stadium, he remains part of the squad but continues to struggle for minutes.

Despite his lack of action, Guardiola has confirmed Phillips is not causing a problem behind the scenes and hailed his attitude.

“If he decides to do it [leave], then do it,” he said (via The Guardian).

“If the agreement is not done, then he stays. He’s behaving incredibly. One of the most generous players I’ve ever seen – honestly, as I don’t want to compliment when players don’t play matches. Others are maybe problems in locker room – it’s completely the opposite.

“Every time he goes to national team with Gareth [Southgate] I’m the happiest man in the world. When he plays it’s a benefit for me. I don’t know what will happen with Kalvin because when the transfer window is open, nobody knows.”

Kalvin Phillips to Newcastle: Perfect Eddie Howe transfer

That kind of attitude and initial desire to make a success of things are surely traits that would make him the perfect Eddie Howe signing at Newcastle.

The additions the club have made in the PIF era have all been good characters, at least from what supporters can see.

They do not move for those with huge egos who think they are above the collective, such is the desire to build a winning team.

Phillips, at least from what Guardiola is saying, looks perfect for that. Already hailed by Kieran Trippier – who has set the standard for the team since his own arrival – for his attitude it’s a move that makes sense, particularly should Tonali be missing.