Match of the Day pundit sends ‘realistic’ transfer message to Newcastle United ‘target’

Match of the Day pundit Danny Murphy has told reported Newcastle United target Kalvin Phillips to move on from Manchester City.

Phillips has struggled to make an impression at the Etihad Stadium following his more than £50million move from Leeds United last summer. The England international has not been able to make the holding midfield role his own under Pep Guardiola, though he hasn’t been helped by Rodri’s world-class performances over the last year and more.

What has been more concerning is the relationship Phillips has with Guardiola, with the Spanish boss dubbing the midfielder ‘overweight’ during the season.

Phillips hit back at that claim recently in a promotional interview for his new documentary, and he believes he hasn’t had a fair crack of the whip so far at City. That has led to talk of a possible exit this summer, and Newcastle have been linked with a move as they prepare for a Champions League campaign.

In the meantime, Match of the Day pundit Murphy has told talkSPORT: “If I was him, I think you’d have to be realistic and understand that it hasn’t worked. If he wants to give up another year doing the same thing, fair enough. That’s up to him. If he’s had a conversation with Pep that maybe we don’t know about – ‘look, I’m going to use you more’ – then of course you’re going to stay. It’s the most successful team.

“But I personally – if I went a season at any club where i was playing that little, I left. I manufactured a way out He’s a good player. There will be plenty of takers for him.”

Newcastle may yet opt to improve their midfield, but amid Financial Fair Play issues and the need to sign a winger, the Magpies may well need to look for loan moves to improve the midfield. It will be interesting to see whether Phillips is a target, and indeed whether City are willing to sanction a loan move.