In the midst of rumours that Crystal Palace is currently the front-runner to recruit Kalvin Phillips, Roy Hodgson has acknowledged that he would want to see the midfield player move to Selhurst Park this month. Although Newcastle United had been strongly connected to a bid for the midfield player, Tyneside’s interest has now cooled in light of City’s demands of a £7 million loan fee and their wish to include an obligation to buy provision in a deal.
Although Newcastle United was thought to be a serious contender to recruit him, the Telegraph recently revealed that Newcastle had pulled out of an agreement to sign the midfield player. This suggests that City’s demands of a £7 million loan fee and an obligation to buy the 28-year-old had seemingly cooled their enthusiasm. Newcastle would have to reconsider their position on Phillips, though, given rumours that Joelinton might miss the entire season if surgery is required to fix a thigh issue.
while things stand, though, Palace are in charge while they search for midfield reinforcements. Phillips is thought to be able to cover for Cheick Doucoure in the interim until the summer, as the latter may miss the remainder of the season due to injury.
Spurs and Palace are the only teams “actively pursuing a deal” at the moment, according to Manchester World. Although Juventus was reported to have shown interest in Phillips, they will not move further with a deal if City’s demands remain unchanged.
Receiving consistent first-team playing time will surely be a major factor in Phillips’ decision to leave City in order to retain his place in Gareth Southgate’s squad for the tournament, especially with Euro 2024 rapidly approaching. Earlier this month, manager Pep Guardiola responded to a question on Phillips’ status at City by saying, “The transfer market, I said many times, I don’t know.” Txiki [Begiristain] is present, and events will transpire as they will. Since I don’t know the players’ preferences, I won’t be making any assumptions here. I am aware of a few of them, but not all of them.”
At St James’ Park on Saturday night, Oscar Bobb’s stoppage-time goal against the Magpies gave City a late victory that cemented their lead in the title chase. Phillips was not deployed as a replacement.
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