Newcastle United are interested in signing Kalvin Phillips on loan from Manchester City in January, which could be good news for one current Toon player.
Eddie Howe is keen to add a midfielder to his squad when the January transfer window opens, with Sandro Tonali set to miss the rest of the season due to suspension.
The Magpies have been without their second most expensive signing ever for months now, and he will not be available again until August.
Newcastle need a replacement, and Kalvin Phillips looks like the most likely candidate.
Newcastle interested in Kalvin Phillips
It has been reported that Newcastle are confident about completing a loan deal to bring Phillips to St James’ Park during the January transfer window.
It has also been reported that Man City will not block Phillips from joining Newcastle, which is good news as there was concern that perhaps they would not be keen on him joining a Premier League rival.
But that hurdle appears to have been overcome, and a deal to bring the 28-year-old to Tyneside seems to be heading in the right direction.
That is excellent news for Howe, who is eager for the club to sign another midfielder. It is also excellent news for Bruno Guimaraes, who could really benefit from Phillips’ arrival.
Signing Phillips would be good news for Bruno Guimaraes
Ever since the start of last season, Bruno has had to play in the ‘number six’ position for Newcastle United. He has been at the centre of the Magpies’ midfield three, tasked with protecting the defence and being the deepest midfielder.
He has done very well in that role, so much so that he is irreplaceable. We are a much worse team when he is not available. In the words of Eddie Howe, he is ‘unique’.
But the 26-year-old’s unique qualities can be put to better use, and it has long been reported that Bruno wants to change position. Howe feels the same, but has had never had the opportunity to play him as a ‘number eight’ since his first season at St James’ Park. He could be much more impactful as an eight, getting higher up the pitch and influencing the game in more dangerous areas.
If Newcastle do sign Phillips, that will impact Bruno. Howe will no longer have to play Bruno as the ‘six’ – instead, he could play him in a more advanced role.
Phillips has the ability to be Newcastle’s six. He is defensive minded, and is strong enough on the ball that he can transition the play from defence to attack – much like he did for Leeds United.
While Bruno has been outstanding in the defensive role, he could be put to better use. It is clear that Newcastle need a stronger defensive presence in midfield, which is why signing Phillips could be a really good bit of business when the January transfer window opens.
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