Escape route?! Juventus open talks over deal to sign Man City midfielder Kalvin Phillips on loan in January

Since joining the Premier League winners in a €49 million (£42 million) deal from Leeds United in 2022, the England international has spent the last year and a half on the outskirts of Pep Guardiola's setup. Rodri's dominant play has made it tough for Phillips to secure a starting spot at City, where Matheus Nunes, Mateo Kovacic, Bernardo Silva, Rico Lewis, and Kevin De Bruyne are all competing for midfield minutes, although the latter is injured. Juventus have long been linked with a move for the ex-Leeds midfielder, although Arsenal, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, and Newcastle United are also thought to be interested. Fabrizio Romano reports that Juventus have made touch with Manchester City and are contemplating a temporary move for out-of-favour Phillips next month in order to get a jump on their English rivals.

This season, the Bianconeri have lost two midfielders to off-field issues, with Nicolo Fagioli serving a seven-month ban for illegal gambling and Paul Pogba still awaiting the outcome of his doping sentence, which could be as harsh as a four-year ban. The England international would be willing to leave his birthplace to play in Serie A, but issues over a permanent transfer clause might jeopardise the deal.

As per OptaJoe, Phillips scored his first goal for the club after 31 appearances in all competitions, when he scored against Red Star Belgrade earlier this season.

Phillips will very likely make his move away from the Etihad whether it is Juventus or not, as it is unlikely the midfielder will be in Pep Guardiola's plan for the future.