Steve Bruce spots Newcastle United transfer 'conundrum' - loan deal & Bruno Guimaraes claim

Steve Bruce has addressed Newcastle United's interest in Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips.

The England international is expected to leave Man City during the January transfer window just 18 months after joining from Leeds United in a deal worth £42million.

Phillips has made just 31 appearances in that time, only two of which have equalled in Premier League starts. After deciding to stay and fight for his place in the summer, the 28-year-old's situation hasn't changed and he's now seeking regular first-team football in order to secure a spot in England's Euro 2024 squad.

Newcastle United and Juventus have been credited as the two frontrunners. Eddie Howe is considering recruiting a midfielder as a short-term replacement to Sandro Tonali, who is suspended from football until August after being found guilty for illegal betting.

However, Bruce believes a Magpies move for Phillips will come down to Howe's plans for Bruno Guimaraes. The Brazilian features in the No.6 role in United's three-man midfield, a role Phillips is renowned for playing.

The former Newcastle head coach has suggested Phillips should only be signed if there is an appetite to play Guimaraes further forward.

Asked by Sky Sports News if Newcastle should sign Phillips, Bruce said: "The kid is a really, really talented player. Does that mean Bruno Guimaraes play as an eight? That's a question you'd have to ask Eddie.

"From what I seen at the weekend, Guimaraes was head and shoulders above anyone on the pitch. He was fantastic.

"Is he going to play in that six or does he prefer to be higher up the pitch? There is the conundrum that they'll have.

"There's no doubt Phillips will improve any squad because of what he is. He's young, tenacious and as we've seen for Leeds and England.

"It hasn't quite happened for him at Man City for whatever reason. I have to say he was Rodri in front of him, who is arguably as good as any midfield player in the league.

"All those questions you weigh up before you dive in to get him. I'm sure that's the big question - can he play as an eight and bring Kalvin in?"