Former Leeds United star snubs Newcastle United & West Ham interest in favour of Manchester City stay

Kalvin Phillips has vowed to fight for his place at Manchester City, despite interest from Newcastle United and West Ham United.

Phillips moved to the Etihad Stadium from Leeds United for £42million last summer but rarely featured during City’s treble-winning campaign.

The 27-year-old struggled with injuries during the opening months and made 21 appearances in total, including just two Premier League starts.

Eddie Howe’s side enquired about the England international’s availability earlier this month but learned Phillips wasn’t willing to give up on his City career yet.

And speaking after England’s 7-0 win over North Macedonia on Monday, where he netted his first international goal, the midfielder made his feelings clear.

“My intention is to stay there,” he told i News. “We have just won the Treble, so there is no reason for me to leave other than if I am not playing [which] I will obviously have to think about it.

“I cannot give it 12 months and say I am not playing so I am going to leave. As you have seen with many players at City, it can take quite a while to cement yourself into the team. Hopefully I will enjoy my off-season and then work hard when I get back.”

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He added: “Just [I] know how difficult it is to understand the way Pep wants to play and how quickly you need to adapt to play in his system,” he said. I am on the brink of almost getting it. Obviously there is a little bit of work in pre-season and hopefully [I’ll] be alright.”

Even if Phillips was to become available for transfer now, it’s unlikely Newcastle would make a move as they close in on signing AC Milan midfielder Sandro Tonali.

United head coach Eddie Howe also has interest in Leicester City’s James Maddison and RB Leipzig’s Dominik Szoboszlai.