Newcastle tipped to rekindle interest in Liverpool target as Eddie Howe looks to solve conundrum
Newcastle United have been tipped to push for a Liverpool target in the January transfer window as Eddie Howe looks to add to his squad.
The summer transfer window has now come to a close in England, but some clubs will already have an eye on January. Newcastle went about their business in a sensible fashion this summer, but they perhaps left themselves short in some areas.
They added the stardust of Sandro Tonali and Harvey Barnes and also boosted their defensive options by signing Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall.
Howe has stated that he is happy with the business done by Newcastle this summer, although they do still have a few areas of vulnerability within their ranks.
The lack of depth at centre-half has perhaps been highlighted by Sven Botman’s recent injury and Newcastle are also without a natural defensive midfielder.
Howe’s preferred midfield trio has consisted of Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton so far. While this trio is full of technical ability and running power, they are perhaps lacking a naturally defensive midfielder.
That’s where Manchester City’s Kalvin Phillips could come in handy. According to iNews, Newcastle could push for Phillips again in January after failing to sign him in the summer.
The report claims that Phillips is ‘likely to push for a loan in January’ in order to secure his spot for Euro 2024. Liverpool were heavily linked with the Man City star, but they instead pursued a deal for Ryan Gravenberch.
Phillips could be a good fit under Howe
While his time in Manchester hasn’t gone to plan, Phillips is still capable of being a top performer in the right system. Phillips thrived under Marcelo Bielsa at Leeds United and Howe could be the man to unlock that potential.
The England international has struggled to establish himself at the Etihad as Rodri is firmly ahead of him in the pecking order.
Along with the competition for places, Phillips has also struggled with injuries of late. He seems willing to fight for his spot under Pep Guardiola at this stage, but a January loan move could be on the cards if he doesn’t feature much.
Graeme Souness recently discussed the 27-year-old and claimed he should be looking for an escape route away from Man City at the next available opportunity.
“Kalvin Phillips remains a regular in the England squad but in terms of playing time at Manchester City, he is close to becoming the invisible man,” Souness told the Daily Mail.
“He’s 27 — an age at which he must be playing football. He must also realise he’s competing against the very best sitting midfielder in our league and, unless there’s a serious injury to Rodri, he’s looking at being a bit-part player.
“He has to be looking for a career away from City.”
The midfielder has only played six minutes of Premier League football this season and a January exit is surely on the cards if he doesn’t get his chance soon.
