Newcastle want £42m Man City star, but they’re frustrated with his response

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Newcastle United reportedly want to sign Kalvin Phillips from Manchester City this summer, but their bid has fallen at the first hurdle.

Eddie Howe is keen to sign a deep-lying midfielder ahead of next season, and Phillips is on Newcastle‘s list of targets. He has been linked with a move to Tyneside since March, while he was also a rumoured target last summer before he made his £42million switch from Leeds United to Man City.

While he is now a Premier League and FA Cup winner, and could also lift the Champions League on Saturday, the move to the Etihad has not gone completely to plan for Phillips.

He has struggled for minutes under Pep Guardiola, which has led to Newcastle trying to rescue the England international from his Etihad nightmare.

Newcastle told Kalvin Phillips wants to stay at Man City

According to the Telegraph, Newcastle have been told that Phillips wants to stay and fight for his place at Manchester City next season.

This decision has reportedly frustrated Newcastle, who had been led to believe that the 27-year-old was going to be available this summer.

That is not the case at the moment, but the Telegraph add that the Magpies have asked to be kept informed about Phillips’ situation if Man City do decide that they want to move the midfielder on.

Given how little he has played, it is interesting to see that Phillips wants to stay and fight for his place in the team. It is commendable, although it is very difficult to see him ever starting ahead of Rodri.

In contrast, he would likely be a regular starter at St James’ Park. He is capable of playing in the number six role, which would allow Bruno Guimaraes to operate higher up the pitch.

While Newcastle have been asked to be kept in the loop, they do have other options. One alternative is Romeo Lavia, who could be on the way out of Southampton following their relegation to the Championship.