Newcastle United transfer blow as top target 'closes in' on switch to Premier League rivals

Newcastle United are said to have missed out on one of their key transfer targets, with a rival beating them to the punch. It has been a frustrating season for the Magpies so far, with Eddie Howe's men currently down in 10th place and looking up at the European spots.

The Champions League campaign ended prematurely, while new signing Harvey Barnes has missed much of the season through injury, and fellow summer arrival Sandro Tonali is suspended for the season. The latter has left the Magpies short in midfield, leading to talk of a signing in that position this month.

Newcastle have found it difficult to recruit, however, with their Financial Fair Play figure far too close to the limit to continue spending after 18 months or so of high spending. Exits this month could change that, but said exits need to be agreed first.

In the meantime, some of Newcastle's rivals are spending without such restrictions, and it looks as though one may have beaten the Magpies to a deal. TalkSport are reporting that West Ham United have agreed a deal with Manchester City to sign Kalvin Phillips on loan.

They say Phillips has agreed to join the Hammers, who are currently sat juin sixth place, while they are also still in the Europa League. Phillips has struggled for regular football since his 2022 move to City, and he has madeit clear he wants to play ahead of this summer's Euro 2024.

Newcastle were tipped to offer him those playing opportunities, but West Ham have beaten them to the punch, according to reports, and Howe will now have to see one of his reported targets playing for one of his side's European rivals between now and the summer.