Ex-Newcastle transfer target set for surprise loan switch to Premier League rival after failed £45m move

Former Newcastle United transfer target Kalvin Phillips is set to join Premier League new boys Ipswich Town on a season-long loan deal from Manchester City.

The 31-time England international was heavily linked with a move to St James’ Park throughout the January transfer window at a time when an injury pile up to Elliot Anderson, Joe Willock and Joelinton was compounded with the absence of Sandro Tonali due to a betting related suspension.

Newcastle endured a dismal string of results between December and January last season, which saw the club lose to the likes of Everton, Tottenham Hotspur, Luton Town, Nottingham Forest, Liverpool and Manchester City in a run which ultimately cost the Magpies a place in Europe.

The Magpies defensive frailties haunted them during this period as they were also eliminated in the Champions League group stage by AC Milan whilst also exiting the Carabao Cup after a quarter-final loss to Chelsea.

Newcastle, who were restricted by FFP regulations at the time, were widely understood to be in the market for Kalvin Philips in a bid to provide extra protection to the defence. However, the out-of-favour Manchester City midfielder opted instead to complete a six-month loan move to Premier League rivals West Ham United.

Phillips, who starred for Leeds United between 2014 and 2022, struggled to hit the ground running in East London and made just eight appearances during his time with the club.

Just three minutes into his debut he made a costly error which allowed Bournemouth’s Dominic Solanke to score in a 1-1 draw. In his second game the Hammers were beaten 6-0 by title hopefuls Arsenal and in his third game things went from bad to worse as he was sent off during a defeat to Nottingham Forest.

Philips loan spell hit another low point when he came on to the field as a substitute against a Newcastle team that nearly signed him. The Yorkshire born midfielder came onto the pitch with West Ham holding a 3-1 lead at St James’ Park ultimately conceded a penalty to Anthony Gordon just moments later as the Magpies fought back to secure a memorable 4-3 victory.

The 28-year-old’s poor run of form ultimately cost him a place in Gareth Southgate’s final England squad for Euro 2024. However, the Three Lions manager at the time lauded Phillips and admitted that he was the type of profile that he thought his team was missing during the group stage campaign.

Phillips, who once won England’s Player of the Year award in 2021, will hope to get himself back into the England picture with regular football at Kieran McKenna’s Ipswich team.

The Tractor Boys are competing in the Premier League for the first time since 2002 and can look forward to hosting Newcastle on 21 December 2024.