Kalvin Phillips has dealt Newcastle United a major transfer blow after telling them that he will not be moving this summer, despite rumours that the little-used midfielder may be looking to depart Manchester City in the search for first team football.
Signed for £45m from Leeds United last summer, Manchester City’s midfielder managed less than 600 minutes in his first season with the club after being injured and then deemed not fit enough by Pep Guardiola.
With Rodri undisputed first choice, it led to speculation that Phillips could look to move elsewhere in a bid to ensure his spot in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for next summers European Championships.
This in turn led to interest from Newcastle United, who are looking to bolster their ranks after securing Champions League football for the first time in two decades, and are expected to spend heavily this summer.
However, the Telegraph report that while Eddie Howe’s side were ‘led to believe he could be made available for transfer’ this summer, they have been informed that ‘Phillips does not want to give up on City and wants to challenge himself to succeed under Pep Guardiola’, ruling out a departure this summer.
There have been plenty of examples of success stories despite slow starts at Manchester City, including Rodri and most recently compatriot Jack Grealish, who struggled in his first season at the Etihad but has improved dramatically this time around.
They are also expected to add another attacker, with a winger on their wishlist despite the £45m arrival of Anthony Gordon in January.
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