Man City would prefer Kalvin Phillips to depart the club permanently this month, sources have told Football Insider.
The midfielder is available on a six-month loan or a permanent sale in the January transfer window, but the Citizens are keen to get him off their books for good.
Vying clubs would have to pay a £5million-plus fee to loan Phillips for the remainder of the campaign, a reduction from the £7million requirement last summer needed to take him for the whole season.
It is believed that the loan fee and the need to cover his full £140,000-a-week wages is putting off potential suitors including Newcastle United.
There is also interest from Premier League sides West Ham United and Everton while Serie A giants Juventus are also keen on the out-of-favour Englishman.
Sources have also told Football Insider (13 January) that Tottenham have the England international on their target list this month in their efforts to reinforce their midfield.
Phillips has made just two starts for Pep Guardiola’s side in all competitions this season – their Champions League clash against Red Star Belgrade and their third-round League Cup defeat to Newcastle.
His 31 outings for the Citizens have resulted in just one goal and no assists following his big-money money from Leeds United in 2022.
The defensive midfielder has had just 318 minutes of action this season, the majority from the bench.
Man City moved up to second place in the Premier League table after Oscar Bobb’s late winner gave them victory over Newcastle on Saturday (13 January).
They next face Tottenham on Friday 26 January in their FA Cup fourth-round clash.
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