It is looking increasingly likely that Kalvin Phillips will leave Manchester City during the January transfer window.
Phillips has barely managed to break into the City squad since arriving from Leeds United in 2022.
This has led to plenty of rumors that he could leave in the summer, with Liverpool regularly mentioned as an interested party.
And while they also reiterated that the Reds had the idea of signing the 27-year-old before the start of the season,
The I reports that Phillips will now move in January.
It is claimed the England international was told he could leave the Etihad this summer.
However, he reportedly decided it was too early to move again, having arrived from Leeds just a year earlier.
But after failing to make the City squad even during Rodri’s recent absence, it appears Phillips will now have to admit defeat.
While there is no indication that Liverpool will restart their pursuit of the midfielder, there is said to be “a lot of interest” in him.
Newcastle United, West Ham United and Everton are mentioned as three clubs who have recently teamed up with Liverpool to keep tabs on the City man.
Bayern Munich are also said to have been “cautiously” interested. The winter loan move is now being described as the “most likely outcome”.
Phillips admits defeat at City
In other circumstances, Phillips could stay at City to try and work his way into the team.
But as the European Championship approaches this summer, the 28-cap international is in serious danger of losing his place in Gareth Southgate’s team.
As one of Southgate’s favourites, any form of regular football would surely guarantee Phillips a place in the traveling party.
However, with each passing week, his inclusion seems harder and harder to justify. This leaves the former Leeds man in need of an escape route.
Despite his lack of impact at City, Phillips would still be a very good signing for a number of Premier League sides, particularly on loan.
There would be some debate about this, but we think Liverpool could add to this list of teams.
Southgate described the Yorkshireman as “excellent” [mancity.com] and in the right team he could certainly be one.
He may not be at the top of many fans’ wish lists and City probably wouldn’t allow him anyway, but Phillips could do a job for the Reds at the moment.
Jurgen Klopp appears interested in continuing with Alexis Mac Allister as Liverpool’s No.6 for the time being.
But as Sunday’s match in Brighton showed, the Argentine is actually still learning on the job.
A player like Phillips would provide them with some much-needed security at the position heading into the second half of the season. Let’s see if anything develops.
