Newcastle United’s pursuit of Kalvin Phillips suffers major setback | OneFootball

Newcastle United’s hopes of landing Manchester City misfit Kalvin Phillips have fallen apart as the player wants to stay at the Etihad Stadium.

Despite being reduced to a marginal role in his first season at the club, the former Leeds United midfielder has no intention of leaving Pep Guardiola’s troops in the summer.

After making a name for himself at Elland Road, the 27-year-old earned a £42 million move to Man City last year, only to become a bit-part player in the Spaniard’s set-up.

However, the England international is keen to climb up the ranks and fancy his chances under Guardiola next season, as claimed by the Telegraph.

Inspired by the example of Jack Grealish, who has gone from strength to strength in his second season at the Etihad following a dismal first year, Phillips feels his time in Manchester will come.

He has only made 23 appearances for the Cityzens in 2022/23, registering just two Premier League starts, leading Newcastle to believe they could lure him to St James’ Park this summer.

But a lack of playing time has not deterred the Englishman from pursuing a career at Man City, even though the competition for places is as fierce as it gets.

Ilkay Gundogan’s uncertain future at the club may aid his cause as the German, who scored a match-winning brace in Saturday’s FA Cup final against Manchester United, could leave as a free agent in July.

Phillips’ determination to stay and fight for his place at City will likely force Newcastle to consider other alternatives.

Fresh from sealing a long-awaited Champions League return, the Magpies are in the market for two midfield reinforcements to bolster Eddie Howe’s options in the engine room.

Nice’s Khephren Thuram, Brighton & Hove Albion’s Moises Caicedo and Southampton’s Romeo Lavia are on their shortlist.

Another big name on their list is James Maddison, who’s certain to leave Leicester City after the Foxes failed to preserve their Premier League status.