Eddie Howe hits back at 'incorrect' Newcastle United transfer rumour involving ex-Leeds star

Eddie Howe has hit back at reports claiming Newcastle United have all but agreed a January loan move for Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips.

The Magpies are considering signing a midfielder next month as a replacement for Sandro Tonali, who is suspended from football until August 2024 after being found guilty of illegal betting activity.

NewcastleWorld understands Phillips is of interest to Howe but the Newcastle head coach denied rumours that the former Leeds United man is set to sign.

Providing a three-word response, Howe said" “That isn’t correct.”

The England international is expected to leave the Etihad Stadium in January after Pep Guardiola publicly apologised to the player for his lack of game time.

Phillips' only start this term was the defeat to Newcastle in the Carabao Cup. Since arriving from Leeds United for £42m last summer, he's started just two Premier League games.

Guardiola said last week: "I don't know what will happen. I feel so sorry for my decisions for him, I said many times. He doesn’t deserve not to give him minutes.

"I'm so sorry. It’s him I am asking for good personality, good character, thinking about the end. This is a perfect example. After that I have to give him something, I didn’t do that. It’s just because I visualise something, I visualise the team and things, I struggle a little bit to see him, that’s all.

"It’s not because I am not pleased. I feel so sorry for him. It's a business, in the end I have to act professional. When I act… winning is a good decision and when we don’t win it is a bad decision.

"But when a young guy behaves [badly], I don't care. The way he behaves with his mates, I care. Hopefully, he can turn around and I have said many times, I don’t know what will happen in January. If he stays I am more than pleased because he trains really good and he is a lovely guy."