Before choosing which club to join in January, Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips is reportedly going to look for assurances regarding his playing time.
After signing a £42 million contract to join City from Leeds United, Phillips is expected to depart the team in less than 18 months, despite only making two Premier League starts during that time.
Phillips has only been allowed to play in 10 games so far this season, and Pep Guardiola has apologised in public.
“I’m not sure what will happen in January,” Guardiola stated at the beginning of the month. “I’ve told him several times how sorry I am for the choices I made for him. He is not deserving of being denied minutes.
“I truly apologise. It’s him that I’m pleading with for a decent disposition, moral fibre, and forward-thinkingness. This is the ideal illustration. I was supposed to give him something after that, but I didn’t. I just struggle a little bit to see him because I visualise things, like the team and other things.
It’s not that I’m dissatisfied. I’m so sorry about him. Since this is a business, I must conduct myself professionally. When I take action, it is a good decision if we win and a bad decision if we lose.
“However, I don’t give a damn when a young man acts badly. I’m concerned about his behaviour with his friends. I’ve said it numerous times: I have no idea what will happen in January. Hopefully, he can turn things around. He is a great trainer and a great guy, so if he stays, I’m more than happy.”
The England international is reportedly of genuine interest to Newcastle manager Eddie Howe, who recently refuted rumours that a loan agreement is nearly finalised. Howali is looking for a temporary replacement for Sandro Tonali, who is currently injured.
Juventus, the dominant team in Serie A, presents a challenge to United. Furthermore, Phillips will choose his next club after receiving assurances regarding his playing time, the Daily Telegraph reports.
Howe is currently without Joe Willock in addition to Tonali. Joelinton and Elliot Anderson, but Lewis Moley’s arrival at age 17 could change his transfer plans.
For Phillips to guarantee a spot in Gareth Southgate’s team for the European Championships this summer, he needs regular football.
