Manchester City is reportedly placing a hefty £50m price tag on midfielder Kalvin Phillips, who has fallen out of favor at the club since his arrival in 2022.
Despite making only 27 appearances without any goals or assists, the former Leeds United player has faced challenges breaking into City’s established midfield order.
The presence of Rodri, Bernardo Silva, and Kevin De Bruyne as preferred choices, coupled with recent signings Matheus Nunes and Mateo Kovacic, has limited Phillips’ opportunities on the field.
Even when fit, he has played just 167 minutes in six appearances this season, with only one start in an EFL Cup loss to Newcastle United.
Although Phillips’ contract runs until 2028, there are speculations that he might seek a move away from the Etihad ahead of Euro 2024.
While both Phillips and Pep Guardiola have not ruled out a departure, Man City remains optimistic about recouping the £42m they paid for him last year.
Potential suitors will be notified that securing the Englishman’s services would require a bid of at least £50m due to the high demand for his talents.
Phillips had been linked with a move to West Ham United as Declan Rice’s successor, but Man City was initially willing to let him go for £40m until he expressed a desire to impress Guardiola.
However, with no signs of a revival, the club aims to take advantage of the growing interest in Phillips by other clubs.
The midfielder is also eager to secure regular playing time to boost his England career.
Newcastle United and Juventus have emerged as potential destinations, with Newcastle facing a shortage in midfield due to Sandro Tonali’s 10-month betting suspension and Juventus dealing with the absence of Nicolo Fagioli and uncertainty over Paul Pogba’s doping case.
West Ham, Arsenal, Aston Villa, Liverpool, and Everton are also reportedly interested in acquiring Phillips.
Despite limited domestic action, Phillips recently started for England in their 3-1 Euro 2024 qualifying win against Italy.
However, he received an early booking and was substituted after 70 minutes.