Kalvin Phillips speaks on his Man City future after Newcastle links

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Newcastle United have looked at signing Kalvin Phillips this summer, but are going to fall short in their pursuit of the Manchester City man.

Phillips has had a strange debut year at Man City. He has now won the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League, but he barely played a part in any of those accomplishments. The England international only started five games throughout the entire campaign.

It was a tough first season after his £42million move from Leeds, leading to speculation that he could be sold in the coming months.

Newcastle were credited with an interest in the 27-year-old, with Eddie Howe looking to sign a defensive midfielder ahead of next season. He was even urged to make the move to St James’ Park by former Arsenal defender Kieran Gibbs, who thinks Phillips would be a good fit on Tyneside.

However, the Magpies were told that Phillips is keen to stay at Manchester City, and now he has confirmed it himself.

Kalvin Phillips not interested in Newcastle move

Phillips has spoke to i News about his future, and admitted that he wants to stay and fight for his place at the Etihad Stadium.

“My intention is to stay there,” he said.

“We have just won the treble, so there is no reason for me to leave other than if I am not playing. I will obviously have to think about it.

“I cannot give it 12 months and say I am not playing so I am going to leave. As you have seen with many players at City, it can take quite a while to cement yourself into the team. Hopefully I will enjoy my off season and then work hard when I get back.”

Understandable decision

It is a blow for Newcastle, as Phillips fits the profile that Howe is looking for. However, it is easy to understand why Phillips wants to stay where he is.

As he says, he only joined them a year ago, so it would be rather defeatist just to give up after one difficult season. Many other players have struggled to begin with under Pep Guardiola, but have since gone on to become key players under the Spaniard. Take Jack Grealish and Nathan Ake for example.

Phillips will look at that duo for inspiration, and hope that his Man City career can follow the same trajectory.

That is why he does not want to sign for Newcastle, or anyone else, this summer. The Magpies will therefore have to look elsewhere for midfield reinforcements, and currently appear to be tantalised by the idea of signing an Italian.