The coach confirmed that Newcastle’s £42m target was rejected this summer
Newcastle United have been linked with all sorts of midfielders during the summer transfer window.
Although it was Sandro Tonali Newcastle who eventually took notice of him, many other stars were also considered as potential targets.
Tonali has impressed at times since moving from AC Milan, but questions remain as to whether the Italian, Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton can operate together.
The problem is not Tonali himself but simply that a traditional No.
6 could certainly liberate Guimaraes, with the club’s defenders even accepting last season that the deepest role is not is the best position of the Brazilian player.
However, that’s where it remains.
Which brings us to Kalvin Phillips.
Continuously linked with a move to St James’ Park, Pep Guardiola has provided some interesting information.
Pep Guardiola says Kalvin Phillips rejected a loan move from Manchester City this summer
Things haven’t gone well for the England international since he left Leeds for Manchester City in a £42 million contract.
Now, Guardiola has shared that the 27-year-old actually turned down the possibility of leaving the treble-winning side on loan during the summer transfer window.
Speaking before City beat West Ham on Saturday, Guardiola said (via Daily Mail):
“We spoke with him and with the club about the possibility of going out on loan because he hasn’t had much playing time.
“But he decided ‘no, I want to stay’.
He is more than welcome.
“Being a good guy, accepting everything and staying, they are welcome.
When we finish the transfer window, every player here will be part of the family and will help us.
Perhaps January can offer a solution
Whether Man City will voluntarily strengthen Newcastle remains to be seen, but perhaps the January transfer window can offer a solution.
With the champions having signed Mateo Kovacic and Matheus Nunes to bring more competition to their midfield, it is difficult to see how Phillips will fit into the team.
While Newcastle are still considering buying number 6, Phillips would be a logical target.
With experience in the Premier League and in the early years of his career, he is unlikely to be an addition on the left.
One to see…
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