Report: Newcastle will now go for £42m player in January after manager said he won’t block move

Newcastle United have been invigorated by a recent Pep Guardiola interview and will once again make their move for Kalvin Phillips in January.

The Northern Echo are now reporting that Newcastle will press on with their pursuit of Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips in the winter transfer window.

Newcastle enquired about Phillips in the summer but the England international opted to stay with the treble-wining champions in an attempt to force his way into the starting lineup.

Phillips has not been able to secure a starting spot under Pep Guardiola

Unfortunately for Phillips his efforts have been in vain as even when Rodri was unavailable, Guardiola opted to use young Rico Lewis.

Alamy

So not only can Phillips not break into Pep's plans, the manager has recently said in an interview how he'd never block a player from joining a rival club.

“Would I stop a player from joining a rival? Never, ever,” he said. “I give my opinion to the club, and they decide if the transfer suits both sides and the player. Why? I think (blocking a move) means you are a small club. Big clubs, they don’t (care), they make decisions for the benefit of all three parties – players and both clubs, and agents sometimes.

“Really, it is not a problem. They want to go to Chelsea, United, Liverpool whoever. What is the problem? They are happy to be there, the club is happy with the transfer and the other club is happy with the amount of money they spend. It is fine.”

Surely now nothing is stopping Newcastle from finally getting their man in January.

Manchester City's ridiculous price tag could force Newcastle down the loan route

What remains to be seen is whether they opt for a permanent deal or a loan. After all, the main purpose of signing Phillips in January is to replace Sandro Tonali during his 10-month ban, but it can't hurt to have another player of Phillips' quality and experience as a permanent addition to the squad.

Phillips was signed by Manchester City for around £42million from Leeds United and despite barely playing for the club, there were reports that Man City would want £50million for him now. That would more than likely force Newcastle down the loan route, but they could also tag on an option or an obligation to buy.

We have no doubt that Phillips would be an excellent signing, but we don't want to be taken for fools just because clubs know we are desperate.