Manchester City are in discussions with Juventus regarding a January transfer for Kalvin Phillips, a source informed ESPN.
Phillips is eager to depart the Etihad Stadium after finding limited opportunities under Pep Guardiola since his £43 million transfer from Leeds United 18 months ago.
Italian giants Juventus have initiated negotiations with City, though terms are yet to be finalized. Juventus prefer a loan arrangement until the end of the season, while City ideally seek a permanent transfer.
Phillips has only made four Premier League appearances this season and was not in the starting lineup when first-choice defensive midfielder Rodri was suspended for matches against Wolves, Arsenal, and Aston Villa.
The 28-year-old is eager to secure regular first-team football to ensure his inclusion in the England squad for next summer’s European Championships in Germany.
Kalvin Philips (Credits: Premier League)
Newcastle has shown interest but has not yet directly contacted City.
Phillips, who has a contract until 2028, is currently with the City squad in Saudi Arabia as they prepare for Friday’s FIFA Club World Cup final against Fluminense.
City are open to retaining Phillips for the rest of the season if a departure agreement cannot be reached. However, the midfielder has expressed his desire to leave to Guardiola and director of football Txiki Begiristain.
This season, Phillips has played just 89 minutes of Premier League football and started only two games in all competitions: against Newcastle in the Carabao Cup and Red Star Belgrade in City’s final Champions League group game.
City are unlikely to seek a replacement for Phillips if he leaves in January, though it remains a possibility. Guardiola is hopeful to have Kevin De Bruyne back in early January, as the midfielder has returned to training in Saudi Arabia after three months sidelined with a hamstring injury.
