£42m midfielder would now prefer to sign for Newcastle in January

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Newcastle United want to sign a centre midfielder in January, and it appears as if there are two leading contenders.

As the Magpies search for a replacement for Sandro Tonali, two names keep coming up. The first is Kalvin Phillips, and the second is Ruben Neves.

A deal for the latter is much more complicated, as he plays for Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia. They are owned by PIF, just like Newcastle United.

That relationship could stop Newcastle from doing a deal, as Premier League clubs are set to vote on a temporary ban over clubs loaning players from clubs with the same owner.

Therefore, the only way the Magpies could sign Neves would be on a permanent deal – which would be difficult given the club’s financial fair play concerns. And Newcastle are right to be careful in that regard after what has happened to Everton.

With a loan being a better solution, Kalvin Phillips could be the better option. He looks set to leave Manchester City, and is eager to go somewhere he can play regularly ahead of Euro 2024 next summer.

And perhaps he thinks he can do that at St James’ Park.

Kalvin Phillips would now prefer to sign for Newcastle

According to 90min, Newcastle are looking into the possibility of completing a loan deal for Kalvin Phillips.

It has previously been claimed that the 27-year-old would be open to signing for the Magpies, and now 90min have shed some more light on the situation.

They claim that Phillips is now leaning towards Newcastle United being his preferred destination if he is to leave Man City at the start of 2024.

it is clear that he needs a move. His £42million move has not worked out, and it is best for all parties if they agree to go their separate ways.

That could be good news for Newcastle, as they desperately need someone to come in and take Tonali’s place. It sounds like Phillips is keen to fill that hole, so fingers crossed we see him in a black and white shirt very soon.