Club 'out of race' to sign Newcastle United target as fresh Kalvin Phillips update emerges

The coast is clear for Newcastle United to sign Manchester City outcast Kalvin Phillips after Juventus pulled out of the race.

Serie A giants Juve had emerged as the Magpies’ main rivals for the England international, widely is expected to leave the Etihad this month. Long-term suspensions to Paul Pogba and Nicolo Fagioli placed a midfielder at the top of Massimiliano Allegri’s wish list.

Reports had suggested the Italian outfit were keen on the former Leeds United man but, according to Fabrizio Romano, are no longer interested due to City’s hefty demands. Newcastle World understands the treble winners want around £6million to loan Phillips as well as an obligation-to-buy clause in the summer.

Newcastle are also put off by the price tag, with Man City also asking for most of the £42million they paid Leeds less than two years ago should the move become permanent. But Toon chiefs remain open to negotiation as Phillips is one of their top targets to fill the void left by Sandro Tonali.

The 28-year-old is yet to make a Premier League appearance in 2023-24 - raising concerns about how up to speed he will be. Anthony Gordon famously arrived on Tyneside a year ago and admitted he was not fit enough to deal with Eddie Howe’s demands.

West Ham United and Paris Saint-Germain are rivalling Newcastle for his signature and curious fans thought a breakthrough might be close when the midfielder was left out of City’s FA Cup win at the weekend.

Talks are ongoing, with Phillips hopeful of resolving his future quickly as he aims to stake a claim for the Three Lions’ Euro 2024 squad this summer.