Newcastle now suddenly face competition from Barcelona to sign £42m player

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Newcastle United might suddenly have more competition in the race to sign Kalvin Phillips next month.

The 28-year-old looks destined to leave Manchester City when the January transfer window opens, with Kalvin Phillips desperately in need of first-team football.

A move to Newcastle United has looked like the most likely outcome for Phillips, with reports stating that he is keen on a move to St James’ Park.

He is a player who Eddie Howe likes and, with the Magpies needing a midfielder, it has felt like they have been on a collision course.

But that no longer appears to be the case. Juventus have made their move for Phillips, while they might be able to give him the guaranteed football that he needs between now and Euro 2024.

Now another club has entered the conversation, and it is another European giant.

Barcelona join Newcastle in the race to sign Kalvin Phillips

According to Mundo Deportivo in Spain, Kalvin Phillips is a potential transfer target for Barcelona in January.

The report states that the La Liga giants are looking to sign an aggressive defensive midfielder – ideally on loan.

Phillips falls into that category, which means Newcastle have even more competition in the race to sign the England international.

He is definitely going to be available, with Man City ready to let him leave. Pep Guardiola has been very open about Phillips’ situation, apologising for the fact that he can’t find a place for him in the team.

For a while, a move to Newcastle has felt inevitable. There was even talk on social media that a deal was basically done.

That has been played down by Eddie Howe, and the increased number of clubs that are looking at Phillips cast more doubt over the possibility of Phillips swapping the Etihad Stadium for St James’ Park.

A move to Barcelona would have to be appealing for the £42million man, but his decision will all depend on who is going to play him the most.

Will that be Newcastle? We certainly need reinforcements, with Joelinton the latest Toon midfielder to succumb to injury.