According to journalist Rudy Galetti, Newcastle have taken the “first steps” towards signing Kalvin Phillips from Manchester City in January.

The 28-year-old midfielder joined the Premier League champions from Leeds United in 2022, paying a reported fee of £45 million to secure his services as manager Pep Guardiola sought to bolster his ranks in the middle of the park. However, Phillips has failed to establish himself as an important player at the Etihad, with Guardiola recently admitting it was he who failed to get the best out of the player.

It is believed Phillips is now keen to leave the club in search of more game-time, and City are apparently open to allowing him to go for a suitable fee.

As for Newcastle, they’re still searching for someone to step into the breach following the betting-related ban imposed on Sandro Tonali, whom they signed during the summer from AC Milan. They were thought to be keen to bring in Ruben Neves on loan from Al-Hilal, but the Portuguese himself has revealed he has no intention of leaving the Saudi club.

Phillips has so far made just eight appearances for City in all competitions this term, starting only against Newcastle in the Carabao Cup.

Galetti also believes Tottenham Hotspur are interested in Phillips, but they don’t see him as a priority at the moment, with their efforts largely concentrated in identifying a new striker.

#Newcastle are taking the first steps to sign Kalvin #Phillips in Jan.

#NUFC consider the player a main target: with a suitable offer, #ManCity could let him go.

#Tottenham are still monitoring him, but to date is not a priority: first of all, #THFC need a striker. https://t.co/NTZHSHN2BR pic.twitter.com/ZsODU87zwL

— Rudy Galetti (@RudyGaletti) December 3, 2023