By Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

29th Oct, 2023 | 8:00am

Sources: Door opens for Newcastle United to agree Phillips loan deal

Man City midfielder Kalvin Phillips could join Newcastle United on loan in the January transfer window, sources have told Football Insider.

Football Insider revealed on Saturday (28 October) that the Magpies will replace banned star Sandro Tonali with a loan signing due to transfer budget restrictions.

And it is believed City will not stand in Phillips’ way – with the England international not key to Pep Guardiola’s plans going forward.

A well-placed source has told Football Insider that a temporary switch could be the “perfect solution” for both the player and Newcastle.

City are willing to let Phillips depart on loan as they bid to protect their asset.

They believe a successful move could raise his stock and lead to a bidding war between interested parties in the summer window.

Football Insider revealed earlier this month (21 October) that Newcastle have admired Phillips for a long time and nearly signed him last year while he was still a Leeds United player. They are in pole position again.

He went on to join Man City for a reported £45million in 2022 but has featured sparingly for Guardiola’s side.

The combative midfielder has played just 760 minutes of action in total during his time with Man City.

It is believed he has failed to gain the full trust of Guardiola since arriving at the Etihad Stadium.

Phillips is still a regular in Gareth Southgate’s England squad but has admitted he will need to consider a move to maintain his place in the international set-up.

He has racked up 30 caps for the Three Lions ahead of next year’s Euro 2024 tournament in Germany.

In other news, Newcastle blocked from completing two signings by FFP.