Newcastle United might have to move some players out before they can bring anyone in this month.
That is the view of journalist Luke Edwards, who has suggested that some players could leave St James’ Park in order to finance a move for Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips.
The 28-year-old is being heavily linked with a move to Tyneside this month, with Manchester City ready to led the midfielder leave the club.
A loan exit appears to be on the cards, and it has been suggested that he is interested in a move to Newcastle United.
That is great news for the Magpies, but a deal is not proving to be straightforward. While Newcastle were boosted by news that Juventus had pulled out of the race to sign him, the issue of being able to afford the deal is not going away.
Man City want a sizeable loan fee for Phillips, while his wages will also be an issue. That is why journalist Luke Edwards has suggested that some fringe players could be moved on to free up some cash for the Phillips deal.
Luke Edwards provides update on Newcastle wanting Kalvin Phillips
The Telegraph’s Luke Edwards has been speaking about the Phillips situation on the latest episode of the Transfer Gossip Daily podcast.
“I still think Phillips will end up at Newcastle,” he said.
“I think Juventus dropping out dramatically increases their chances. If you look at the options – Everton, Crystal Palace, Newcastle, Juventus – Juventus would be the one that would most rival Newcastle for that.
“But I just wonder whether Newcastle are going to have to ship somebody out first.
“They’d be looking to get rid of squad players. The likes of Paul Dummett, Matt Ritchie, players like Isaac Hayden who’s been out on loan at Standard Liege – I think he’s going to sign for Sheffield United.
“Getting those players off the wage bill perhaps makes that little bit of room to bring him in and pay Kalvin Phillips his wages. There’s stuff there that needs to be done from a Newcastle perspective, which is why I think I keep being told they want him, they like him, they hope it can happen but it’s likely to happen later in the window rather than at the start of it.”
Newcastle might have to sell before they buy
Edwards has named three players who could be moved on to fund a deal for Phillips, but it is difficult to envision Eddie Howe letting two of them leave.
Matt Ritchie and Paul Dummett are integral members of the squad, even if they do not play most weeks. Given Newcastle’s injury record this season, Howe would likely see it as a risk to move them on, even if it does mean getting Phillips in.
However, it is a different story with Isaac Hayden. He is someone who does not have a future at St James’ Park, yet he has a contract with the club until 2026. It would be wise to move him on, so the fact that Edwards thinks he is going to Sheffield United is encouraging.
But whether just one exit will provide enough financial wiggle room to bring in Phillips from Manchester City remains to be seen.
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