Newcastle and Juventus Eyeing January Loan for Man City’s Kalvin Phillips

Phillips on Radar of Newcastle and Juventus

Kalvin Phillips, the midfielder who has fallen out of favor at Manchester City, is reportedly attracting interest from Newcastle and Juventus.

Since joining City from Leeds in the summer of 2022, Phillips has struggled to secure regular playing time.

According to a report in the Telegraph, Phillips could be offered a way out of Manchester City in January to keep his Euro 2024 aspirations alive, thanks to the Italian betting scandal.

The report states: “Phillips will consider a move away from City in the next transfer window if he continues to sit on the bench for the next six weeks, and his options may have received a timely boost.

“Juventus and Newcastle United are expected to be forced into the market to find cover for midfielders Nicolo Fagioli, who has been banned for seven months, and Sandro Tonali, who is also facing a lengthy suspension.

“Moving to Juventus for the second half of the season could be seen as a good solution by both Phillips and City, with the Italian club not in European competition.

“Newcastle have shown an interest in Phillips in the past but, like Juventus, would most likely want only a loan deal in January, and it remains to be seen whether City would allow him to move to a Premier League rival on a temporary basis.”

Barcelona Interested in Alvarez

Manchester City striker Julian Alvarez is reportedly being eyed by Barcelona, according to a report in the Mail.

The talented Argentine international has already scored six goals and provided five assists in just 13 matches this season.

The article states: “According to Spanish outlet Sport, Barcelona are keeping tabs on the forward as they look to line up a long-term replacement for Robert Lewandowski.

“The Polish forward, 35, joined the Catalan giants for £42.5m last summer from Bayern Munich and netted 33 goals in all competitions during 2022-23.

“However, given his age and current absence with an injury, Barcelona boss Xavi and sporting director Deco – who are both fans of Alvarez – are keen on ensuring there is sufficient back-up to Lewandowski.

“While 18-year-old Brazilian wonderkid Vitor Roque is set to join the club in January, Lewandowski was also linked with a move to Saudi Arabia in the summer, meaning there could be greater urgency to strengthen in attacking areas.

“The report goes on to state Xavi is a huge fan of Alvarez due to his goal-scoring ability and versatility across the frontline, with the Argentine able to play centrally, deeper, and out wide.”

Liverpool Monitoring Inacio

Liverpool reportedly sent scouts to watch Sporting defender Goncalo Inacio in action for Portugal during their 5-0 win over Bosnia in UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying on Monday evening.

The Liverpool Echo picked up on the story, stating: “Inacio started at centre-back alongside Ruben Dias for this fixture and is understood to have been watched by Liverpool while performing for his nation. That is according to 90min.com, who state the Reds also kept ‘a close eye’ on Pedro Neto of Wolves.”

Inacio, 22, provided an assist in his fourth appearance for Portugal. He has made 129 appearances for his boyhood club Sporting since breaking into the first team in the 2020/21 season.