Manchester City identify Kalvin Phillips preference as January exit looms

Manchester City have made a key decision regarding the potential sale of midfielder Kalvin Phillips.

The 28-year-old is widely expected to leave Manchester City next month, as Phillips bids for a place in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the summer’s European Championship in Germany.

The England international moved to Manchester City from Leeds United on a six-year contract in 2022, but is set to leave the Etihad Stadium after making just two starts for Pep Guardiola’s side so far this season.

Phillips completed a £42 million move from Elland Road but has made just six competitive starts since August 2022, despite winning four trophies, including the Premier League title and UEFA Champions League.

The midfielder scored against Red Star Belgrade from the penalty spot to net his first Manchester City goal earlier this month, and featured as a substitute in Tuesday’s FIFA Club World Cup semi-final victory.

Phillips hasn’t started a Premier League match for Guardiola since May, despite Rodri missing four games this season due to suspension.

The 28-year-old has been subject to transfer interest from Juventus, Newcastle and Tottenham, with the three clubs all looking to bolster their midfield options during the January window.

Both Juventus and Newcastle are looking to replace banned midfielder’s Nicolo Fagioli and Sandro Tonali, after the Italian pair were handed lengthy suspensions for illegally betting.

The Serie A side had been reportedly hopeful of signing Phillips initially on loan next month, however Manchester City are claimed to be against the prospect of allowing the midfielder to leave for free in January.

Sky Sports News claim that Manchester City would prefer a permanent sale for Phillips in January after making the 28-year-old available on the market.

Guardiola could also look to sign a replacement for the midfielder next month, despite playing down the prospect of the club completing any major business during the January window.

Manchester City have often been reluctant to conduct significant transfer business during the January window, with Aymeric Laporte the Blues’ last major first-team addition, back in 2018.