Newcastle ‘step up’ Kalvin Phillips transfer interest as Toon face being forced to sell huge star in summer

NEWCASTLE are reportedly ready to “step up” their interest in signing Kalvin Phillips.

The England midfielder has told Manchester City he wants to leave the club after growing frustrated with his lack of minutes.

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Newcastle are ready to ‘step up’ their interest in Kalvin Phillips[/caption]

Eddie Howe’s side are one of several sides linked with Phillips, amid reported interest from Juventus, Everton and Crystal Palace.

According to The Telegraph, though, the Magpies are hopeful a loan deal can be agreed early in January.

Phillips has been made the club’s top priority ahead of the window opening on Monday.

Although, no bid has been made or terms agreed yet, with the Toon planning to open talks as soon as possible.

The report adds that Newcastle are looking at loan deals in January due to restrictions surrounding the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules.

Any permanent deals involving a transfer fee could force the club into cashing in one of their star players.

Clubs have been left fearful of being slapped with a points deduction following Everton’s 10-point penalty in November for breaching Financial Fair Play rules.

Despite the restrictions, Howe is said to want both a midfielder and striker as well as a short-term deal for a goalkeeper to cover the injury to Nick Pope.

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Phillips’ potential arrival would meet one of those requests, with the 28-year-old keen for a move.

Having played just 89 minutes in the league this season, Phillips is eyeing regularly game time to keep his place in Gareth Southgate’s plans for Euro 2024.