Newcastle United fans were hoping the club could complete a quick deal to sign Kalvin Phillips on loan in January, but that does not appear to be happening.
Kalvin Phillips looks destined to leave Manchester City this month, with Newcastle heavily linked with bringing the 28-year-old to St James’ Park. He would fill the void left by Sandro Tonali, who is suspended for the rest of the season.
There have been multiple stories about Phillips joining the Magpies. It has been reported that Man City will not block the midfielder from taking his talents to the North East, while it has also been claimed that Toon officials are confident about agreeing a deal.
With so much positive noise about Phillips signing for Newcastle on loan, it felt like this was deal inevitable. In fact, it felt so inevitable that it was hoped by supporters that it could be agreed early in January to ensure we got the most out of him and could then focus our transfer efforts elsewhere for the rest of the month.
While we are only three days in, an immediate deal for Phillips does not appear to be on the horizon, and now Sky Sports have provided a fresh update.
Newcastle haven’t made a formal approach for Kalvin Phillips yet
Sky Sports journalist Mark McAdam has discussed Phillips’ Manchester City future on Sky Sports News, stating that ‘tentative’ talks have taken place between Pep Guardiola’s side and Juventus over a deal. He adds that Man City’s preference is to sell the England international this month.
McAdam then went on to discuss interest from the Premier League, which would include Newcastle.
“We know that there are a number of Premier League sides that have a passing interest in the 28-year-old,” he said.
“But, as things stand, no one has made a formal offer or formal contact with Manchester City to say ‘what’s the deal, what’s the structure, what’s the situation with Kalvin, we’d like to take him’.”
Phillips loan deal hanging in the balance
So far all the talk of confidence, there is yet to be a formal approach from Newcastle, or anyone else for that matter.
A deal to bring the £42million man to Tyneside certainly is not imminent, which would suggest that the club are yet to fully make their mind up about him.
They need to soon, as the sooner he arrives the better. He will need time to get up to speed in a black and white shirt.
But with Joe Willock and Elliot Anderson hopefully due back in the near future, perhaps the club are holding off on their decision to sign another midfielder. They might not actually need Phillips after all, which could allow them to focus their resources elsewhere.
On the outside looking in, it feels like this deal to bring Phillips to St James’ Park is in limbo.
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