- Several clubs, including Juventus, have expressed an interest in Kalvin Phillips
- The midfielder has been unable to secure regular game time at Manchester City
- IAN LADYMAN: If Spurs go toe-to-toe with City, they’ll have their trousers pulled down – It’s All Kicking Off
Juventus are emerging as a potential destination for Kalvin Phillips should the midfielder decide to leave Manchester City in January.
The England international has featured for just 216 minutes across eight appearances this season, with teenager Rico Lewis so far preferred during City’s Champions League campaign.
Phillips, who has always been ready to fight for his place under Pep Guardiola, is left with a decision to make ahead of next summer’s European Championship.
Mail Sport understands that Juventus – battling in a Serie A title race with Inter – are among those exploring the possibility of a loan deal for the 27-year-old, a move that would help Gareth Southgate’s squad planning.
A £43million switch from Leeds to the Etihad Stadium has proven difficult for Phillips, who has struggled to gain the trust of Guardiola. He played under 600 minutes across the Treble-winning campaign but was insistent over the summer that he wanted to force a way into the manager’s plans.
Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips is being seen as a potential target by Juventus
Massimiliano Allegri’s side are currently locked in a title race with Inter Milan, sitting two points behind the Nerazzurri in Serie A
But after joining Pep Guardiola’s side for £43million in 2022, Phillips has failed to secure regular game time
That has not materialised, with the Carabao Cup defeat at Newcastle United being his only start. City left the player to determine his own future when clubs circled during the last transfer market and will do similar this time.
Juventus operate with five in midfield, with Weston McKennie – who failed to impress on loan at Leeds last season – often picked alongside Italy internationals Manuel Locatelli and Fabio Miretti or Adrien Rabiot.
Mateo Kovacic has been given the nod before Phillips and could be back in Guardiola’s squad for Sunday’s clash with Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham.
The Australian, who managed City’s Japanese sister club Yokohama F. Marinos, drew praise from Guardiola and is expected to stick to his attacking principles despite a raft of injuries to key players.
‘Absolutely not,’ Guardiola said when asked if Tottenham may alter to become more defensive.
Should he join Juventus, he could find himself playing alongside another ex-Leeds player, Weston McKennie, in midfield
So far this season, Phillips (R) has made eight appearances for Man City across all competitions
‘It would be a surprise. I met him in pre-season in 2019 when we played Yokohama. I saw some of their games before and I said, “wow, there are things that I like”.
‘I’ve followed him ever since. In a relatively short time, even the games they didn’t win lately, I’m impressed with how good they do many things – how many chances they create, how aggressive they are in all departments.
‘He came here and in a few months you recognise perfectly his team.
‘I think he makes football a better place because I’m also a spectator and I enjoy watching them a lot with the approach they have. All Spurs fans and people in England can admit the impact has been big.
