Newcastle United target sold by Leeds United will request January transfer - on one condition

Newcastle United transfer target Kalvin Phillips could reportedly push to leave Manchester City on loan in January - if his game time doesn’t increase.

The 27-year-old joined the Premier League champions from Leeds United last summer in a deal worth £42million. However, Phillips has managed just 23 appearances in all competitions since, only four of which have been starts.

Phillips attracted interest from the likes of Newcastle United and Everton during the summer window but opted to stay at the Etihad Stadium and fight for his place.

“My intention is to stay there,” Phillips said recently. “We have just won the treble, so there is no reason for me to leave, other than if I am not playing 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’. I came to Manchester City to win trophies and we won the trophies, but I didn’t play as much as I wanted to do.

“With England I played a little bit, but was ruled out through injuries as well. It is just nice to be back fit. I have nothing to worry about now. Everything is fine with my body. I will continue to work hard next season and hopefully do well when I go back to City.”

Despite playing just six minutes of competitive football so far this season, Phillips received a call-up to Gareth Southgate’s England for the Euro 2024 qualifier versus Ukraine and the 150th anniversary match against Scotland.

But should his game time not increase come January, i News reports that Phillips is likely to push for a loan move in order to shore up his Euro 2024 spot. The same publication writes “there will be no shortage of takers, especially with Newcastle’s obvious need for a number six.”

Indeed, Newcastle’s summer transfer business has been up for debate following three consecutive Premier League defeats to Manchester City, Liverpool and Brighton and Hove Albion.

The midfield has been highlighted but Magpies’ head coach Eddie Howe defended the performances summer signing Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton.

Howe said after Brighton: “I think it’s in its infancy, that has to be noted. I don’t think that’s necessarily a criticism of any one of those players but it’s a new-look midfield and that takes time to build the relationships where it’s automatic.

“Individually they’re all top, top players. We’re missing Joe Willock who’s a big miss in terms of energy. Joey declared himself fit yesterday but was not at 100 per-cent with the knee problem he had. There are mitigating circumstances.”