Dan Ashworth is making a huge mistake if he signs ’embarrassing’ 27-year-old in January – opinion

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Newcastle United are starting to make plans for the January transfer window, and have been linked with a move for Kalvin Phillips.

The Manchester City midfielder is set to be available, with a recent report from iNews claiming that he is likely to leave the Premier League champions on loan at the start of next year.

That could open the door for Newcastle, who tried to sign Phillips before the start of the new season. He was a loan target for Eddie Howe, but the England international decided that he wanted to stay and fight for his place at the Etihad Stadium.

That has proven to be a poor decision, with Phillips barely playing. His one start this season came in the Carabao Cup against Newcastle, while he was left out of Sunday’s 1-0 defeat to Arsenal. That is despite Rodri being suspended, with teenage defender Rico Lewis playing ahead of Phillips in midfield.

The 27-year-old’s latest snub has been described as ‘embarrassing‘ by Martin Keown, and it now looks like Phillips is going to be on the move.

Newcastle are long-term admirers of the former Leeds United star, but signing him midway through the current season would surely be a mistake.

Newcastle do not need Kalvin Phillips in January

Dan Ashworth has done a brilliant job in the transfer market since being named the club’s Sporting Director. However, it would be a real surprise if he decides to bring Phillips to St James’ Park in January.

While he is certainly a talented player, he is not what Newcastle need right now. The Magpies already have a stacked midfield, with Elliot Anderson emerging into a first-team star this season.

After Anderson, Newcastle also have Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali, Joelinton, Sean Longstaff, Joe Willock and 17-year-old Lewis Miley.

Adding Phillips to that group would feel like a waste – although he would be capable of playing in the number six position to allow Bruno to move further up the pitch.

However, the Brazilian is doing brilliantly in that role now, and Howe has plenty of players to choose from to go alongside him.

Signing Phillips would force someone to miss out, or he would just be sat on the Newcastle bench rather than the Manchester City bench.

It is expected to be a quiet January transfer window for Newcastle, but if they are to sign reinforcements, a defensive midfielder is not what we need. Ashworth should either be looking to sign a centre-back or a forward. Those are the two positions that we need more depth in.

A number six like Phillips should be on the club’s radar very soon, but we would be much better off signing someone younger who can grow and develop on Tyneside, rather than try to rebuild Phillips’ career at the age of 27.