£97m Leeds United January reunion claim as new clubs enter race for Newcastle United transfer target

Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips is scheduled to depart the club on loan during the January transfer window, but his destination is unknown.

Newcastle were initially thought to be the front-runners to recruit the 28-year-old England international, but have now backed away from the deal due to Manchester City’s high loan fee demands. West Ham United and Crystal Palace have also been connected, with Palace manager Roy Hodgson publicly expressing interest in signing Phillips on loan.

The former Leeds United midfielder has also been linked with a move abroad, with Juventus lately dropping their interest. However, a move to Europe remains possible, with La Liga giants Atletico Madrid and Barcelona both interested in the player, according to The Telegraph.

A transfer to Barcelona would reunite Phillips with his old Leeds teammate Raphinha. The pair spent two seasons together in the Premier League with Leeds before joining Manchester City and Barcelona for £42 million and £55 million, respectively.

Phillips wants to leave City this month in order to gain a spot in England’s squad for the European Championships in Germany this summer. Phillips has 31 caps for England but has started just two Premier League games since joining Manchester City in the summer of 2022.

Newcastle are looking to bolster their midfield options, with Phillips a primary target. The club has also scouted Atalanta midfielder Ederson, but both players will face Financial Fair Play restrictions this month.