Newcastle United could yet land their number one midfield target, Kalvin Phillips, according to reports coming out this weekend.
Phillips is set to seek a move away from Manchester City in January as he looks to get regular football before the Euros next summer.
So far, a number of clubs are thought to be keen on him. £45m signing Phillips himself is thought to favour a move to Arsenal, although how likely City are to allow someone to join the Gunners is open to debate.
However, according to The Telegraph, City could indeed allow Phillips to move to Newcastle instead.
Newcastle could sign Kalvin Phillips despite Arsenal claims
According to The Telegraph, City are open to letting Phillips go in January as long as the deals suits all parties.
That includes not dismissing a move for Newcastle for Phillips, who desperately keen to bring in a new midfielder to replace the banned Sandro Tonali.
However, it’s also reported that City know full well that Phillips is a man in-demand and they are in no rush to force through anything.
That, then, could well make the race for the England man wide open as City no doubt look to play other teams against each other.
Ideal for Eddie Howe
As well as injuries, the blow of losing Tonali has been massive for Newcastle and Eddie Howe and he really needs to plug the gap.
On paper, Kalvin Phillips is the absolute ideal player.
He has PL experience already, is ready to play, and comes from a club who haven’t picked him, meaning he’ll be chomping at the bit to get going and perform.
The ball is in City’s court here, though. So while Newcastle will be attractive to Phillips, it could well come down to who the Manchester club see fit for him to join.