By Frank McAvennie

31st Oct, 2023 | 6:00am

Pundit verdict on Kalvin Phillips joining Liverpool in January after Sky reveal

Kalvin Phillips “won’t go” to Liverpool this January on loan.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, former West Ham United and Scotland striker Frank McAvennie rejected the idea that the Manchester City midfielder would move to Anfield despite Jurgen Klopp’s desire for another defensive midfielder.

Phillips joined Pep Guardiola’s side in 2022 but has played just 167 minutes of football in all competitions this season and just 760 minutes overall amid reports of the England international departing the Etihad this January.

As reported by Sky Sports Germany (23 October), the 27-year-old has been linked with a move to Liverpool, with Klopp’s side seeking another defensive midfielder option in addition to Alexis Mac Allister. Bayern Munich could be interested in a loan deal this winter, too.

Phillips made his desire for more game time clear while on international duty with England, saying: “Hopefully I’ll get more minutes and if not, I’ll have to make a decision.”

McAvennie “can’t see” the £42million former Leeds United man at Anfield, but suggested that if he were to leave it would be a loan and that finances could play a role in a prospective departure.

“There’s no way he goes to Liverpool. He won’t go to Liverpool, I can’t see that happening,” he told Football Insider.

“If he does go in January it would be a loan deal, but I can’t see it being Liverpool. It depends on the money of course and what teams are willing to pay.

“For the right money, Man City will definitely sell him. Pep doesn’t fancy him, that’s for sure. So, I can see a permanent move happening”.

In other news, Philippe Clement is making big changes to Rangers’ starting lineup after what an expert has spotted.