Manchester City exit ‘a case of when not if’ – Premier League side have deal all but agreed

A deal that will see Kalvin Phillips leave Manchester City for a fellow Premier League side is now all but agreed, according to fresh claims this week.

The England international has been widely linked with a variety of moves in the upcoming transfer windows, as his struggles at the Etihad Stadium persist in light of Rodri’s continued excellence in the defensive midfield role.

Such is the damage on Phillips’ career through a lack of opportunities that Pep Guardiola recently issued a public apology to the player, stating that he is ‘sorry’ for the impact on his career through game time decisions made by himself.

Speaking during a recent press conference, Guardiola admitted, “I don’t know what will happen to Kalvin Phillips. He has good character, I’m so sorry I have not picked him. I visualise my team and select a team.”

Kalvin Phillips’ struggles may however be coming to an end, with a new report detailing the advanced nature of discussions with one Premier League giant and the possibility of a move to the club in the coming weeks.

According to independent Newcastle-focussed media outlet NUFCblog, the St James’ Park club are now ‘close’ to securing the signing of Manchester City’s Kalvin Phillips for the upcoming January transfer window.

It is detailed that an total agreement is now ‘a case of when not if’, with a loan deal all but agreed ahead of next month’s transfer market and the agreement not including an obligation to buy the 27-year-old at the end of the 2023/24 season.

From a Newcastle United perspective, the report highlights that Phillips’ lack of sharpness is a slight concern, but manager Eddie Howe is a ‘long-term admirer’ of the former Leeds United man and has been assured about his fitness levels.

Alongside Newcastle, Phillips has also seen himself linked with a move to Juventus, with the Serie A club eyeing a similar deal but with financial constraints reportedly impacting their ability to pay the player’s wages.

The 28-year-old is likely to afforded an opportunity to play in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday night, with Manchester City taking on Crvena zvezda with qualification and top spot in the group already secured.