28-year-old wants to be guaranteed game time at Newcastle if he is to sign in January

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Kalvin Phillips could join a club that wears black and white in January, but whether it is Newcastle United or Juventus remains to be seen.

The Magpies have been the favourites to sign Kalvin Phillips for a while, but there is competition from Italy. Juventus have made their move for the 28-year-old, who looks destined to leave Manchester City.

He is not getting the football he needs at the Etihad Stadium, with Pep Guardiola even apologising to him for not picking him.

It is vital that Phillips gets a move ahead of Euro 2024, with the midfielder keen to be part of Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the tournament in Germany.

Wherever he goes, he needs to play. And that is why a new report from the Telegraph states that Phillips wants assurances over his play-time before agreeing to a move away from Man City.

Newcastle must guarantee Kalvin Phillips minutes in black and white

According to the Telegraph, Phillips will be seeking guarantees about how much he will play before deciding who to join in the January transfer window.

The Telegraph add that Phillips’ plan could actually give Juventus an advantage over Newcastle, as they are in more desperate need of a midfielder.

The report states that it is unclear if the Magpies will be able to guarantee Phillips the minutes he wants, which could jeopardise a move. Eddie Howe’s side are facing up to the reality of having fewer games in 2024, having been knocked out of the Champions League and the Carabao Cup.

As it stands, the former Leeds man would play regularly on Tyneside. Newcastle currently have multiple midfielders out of action, with Sandro Tonali suspended and Joelinton, Joe Willock and Elliot Anderson injured.

But with that trio hopefully returning in the coming weeks, Newcastle’s midfield could suddenly look a lot healthier. Combine that with the emergence of Lewis Miley, and it is not certain that Phillips actually would play regularly at St James’ Park.

Perhaps it really is advantage Juventus…