From Fabrizio Romano: Manchester City hold talks with Italian giants over midfield transfer

Manchester City have seen talks opened with Italian giants Juventus over the possible exit of defensive midfield option Kalvin Phillips, according to reports.

The England international has fallen well down the pecking order within Pep Guardiola’s squad, with the Manchester City boss often turning to out-of-position or alternative midfield names when needing stand-ins for mainstay Rodri in the defensive midfield position.

Kalvin Phillips has often been restricted to cup matches or substitutes appearances since joining the Etihad Stadium club from Leeds United in the summer of 2022, for a reported initial transfer fee of £42 million.

However, with a European Championships campaign now on the horizon with Gareth Southgate’s England side, there has been a realisation from both the player and his representatives to seek a move that could earn him more consistent on-field minutes.

As such, that has seen the emergence of one of Italy’s primary clubs as an interested party for the player, with fresh developments on their admiration for the player’s talents coming on Monday morning.

That is according to the information of transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, who reveals his understanding that Serie A giants Juventus have now ‘opened talks’ with Premier League champions Manchester City over a potential deal for Kalvin Phillips.

It is further reported that negotiations are now starting between the two clubs after it was understood that the player himself was ‘open’ to the idea of a move to Juventus, who plan on offering Manchester City a loan with buy option clause.

As for the reigning Champions of Europe, Fabrizio Romano reveals that Manchester City want any possibility of Juventus buying Kalvin Phillips to be mandatory upon the expiry of the initial loan agreement.

Kalvin Phillips did earn himself some rare game time during Manchester City’s final group stage game of the ongoing UEFA Champions League, completing 90 minutes against Serbian side Crvena zvezda and scoring from the penalty spot late on.

Phillips has also been named among Manchester City’s travelling contingent to face Urawa Red Diamonds in the FIFA Club World Cup in Saudi Arabia this week, while a third-place play-off or showpiece final showdown also awaits in Jeddah.