‘Top class’ - Callum Wilson delivers glowing verdict on Newcastle United transfer target

Newcastle United have been linked to Kalvin Phillips increasingly over the past few weeks after the Manchester City player hinted at the possibility of him leaving the club in the January transfer window.

The midfielder has been open about his desire to play more minutes but has struggled to break into the treble-winners first team since signing from Leeds for £45 million in 2022.

And now Callum Wilson has opened up about his England teammate on the Footballer’s Football Podcast and revealed he believes the 27-year-old should stay and fight for his spot in the City squad.

“Here if you need them: I think it all depends on the individual and what they want,” said Wilson. “If you stay at Man City you finish your career with numerous trophies. If that is something that appeals to you, then great. But he is still so young though is what I would say, and he is a top player, and he’ll feel and I feel he can contribute to that City squad.”

“The only problem is that you have someone in Rodri who is his competition who is really good as well, so it’s so difficult. Would I leave City? Maybe on loan but I would still be a Man City player you know, being honest! You’re at arguably the best team in the world and at the best teams in the world you are going to have competition and you are going to have to be patient and bide your time so you can’t just shy away from the fight.

“In my opinion I would stay put and fight but that’s because I’m a fighter, but then how long do you fight for? There’s so many contributing factors to a decision like that.”