Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips is set to join Ipswich on loan for their Premier League return, according to widespread reports.
The 28-year-old joined City from Leeds on a deal reportedly worth up to £45m two years ago but has struggled to establish himself under Pep Guardiola.
🚨🚜 Ipswich Town are closing in on deal to sign Kalvin Phillips from Man City, as @mcgrathmike reports.
Loan move almost agreed with final details being sorted between all parties involved.
Three clubs asked for Kalvin on loan but Ipswich now ahead and ready to get it done. pic.twitter.com/d0b745wcCJ
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 15, 2024
He has played just 687 minutes in the Premier League since moving to the Etihad – nearly half of those coming on loan at West Ham in the second half of last season.
Phillips however failed to show the form needed to see him included in England’s European Championship squad.
Everton and Fulham had been linked with a loan move for Phillips, but widespread reports claim the newly-promoted Tractor Boys have won the race, with Kieran McKenna agreeing a season-long loan for Philips, with no option to buy at the end of it and with City expected to pay a significant portion of Phillips’ wages.
A medical is expected on Thursday and the deal may even be completed in time for Phillips to feature in Town’s first Premier League match in 22 years, when they host Liverpool at Portman Road on Saturday lunchtime.
Phillips saw his time at City hampered by injury and fitness issues, with Guardiola having to issue a public apology at one point for suggesting Phillips had put on weight during a spell on the sidelines.
The Spaniard had spoken highly of the midfielder – who won 31 England caps under Gareth Southgate – but he was an unused sub in Saturday’s Community Shield win over Man United, despite key midfielder Rodri not being involved.
