Report: Newcastle could move for £42m England midfielder who looks set to leave club in January

Newcastle United have once again been linked with an interest in Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips.

Since his £43million move from Leeds United to Manchester City, Kalvin Phillips has picked up a plethora of winner's medals despite playing less than 600 minutes of football in total last season.

For whatever reason, Phillips has been unable to break into the first-team set-up at City under Pep Guardiola. A large factor in that will be the fact that Rodri is phenomenal and difficult to displace, but the Spaniard picked up a suspension recently and rather than Phillips filling the void, Pep opted for youngster Rico Lewis.

If that's not a sign of where Phillips stands in regards to his Manchester City future, I don't know what is.

A report in inews today has suggested that Phillips' time at City is up and he will be looking for a move elsewhere in January.

The report suggests that City were open to him leaving in the summer but Phillips insisted on staying to fight for his place, but now it seems he's throwing in the towel.

That has put Newcastle and Everton on alert as two clubs who may make their move for the England international in the winter transfer window.

I'm personally still a big fan of Phillips, even though there's plenty of articles kicking about by me that may suggest otherwise as I'll never understand how he keeps getting picked for England without playing for his club, Gareth! I believe there's still a good player in there, but right now I just don't think he's needed at Newcastle. Another midfielder is certainly not a priority anyway.

Not that I wouId be in any way opposed to the move, especially as I believe Eddie Howe could get the best out of Phillips once again.