Newcastle ready to pounce if ‘high quality’ £42m player becomes available

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Newcastle United have previously been told that Kalvin Phillips is going nowhere this summer, but there is hope that might change between now and the end of the transfer window.

The midfielder won the treble with Manchester City last season, but did not play a major part. He was a peripheral figure throughout, leading to speculation that he could leave this summer.

Newcastle have already registered their interest in Phillips, having targeted him before he left Leeds United last year. However, the Magpies were told that he plans to stay at the Etihad.

That is a message that Phillips reinforced himself, stating that he intends to fight for his place at Man City under Pep Gurdiola.

But despite all this, Newcastle are still waiting in the wings in case there is a change.

Newcastle eye Kalvin Phillips on loan

According to the Telegraph, Phillips is one of two England internationals who Newcastle are looking to sign on loan this summer. The other is Conor Gallagher, although the report states that he is going to receive a fresh chance from Mauricio Pochettino at Stamford Bridge.

As for Phillips, Newcastle are merely waiting to see if his situation changes when the £42million midfielder returns to pre-season training with Man City.

He has obviously expressed his desire to stay at the Etihad, but that could always change if Guardiola informs him that his game-time will be limited. That certainly would have been the case if Declan Rice had joined the Premier League champions, but they withdrew their interest and he is now on his way to Arsenal.

Talk of loan deals for the likes of Phillips and Gallagher will not enthuse Toon fans, who were expecting a big summer spend ahead of competing in the Champions League.

In truth, it is difficult to see either deal coming off. Phillips has said he wants to stay, while Chelsea have done their best not to strengthen Newcastle since the change of ownership at St James’ Park. Why would that change this summer?

Phillips feels the most likely out of the two, and has actually been tipped to join Newcastle by Kieran Gibbs, who thinks that the 27-year-old is a ‘high quality‘ player. He certainly is, and would be a welcome addition to Eddie Howe’s midfield.