Newcastle make Kalvin Phillips loan their 'top priority' and set to ramp up interest in out-of-favour Man City midfielder

The Magpies are yet to initiate formal talks with Manchester City over a possible move for the midfielder but they have made him the club's priority target in the upcoming January transfer window, according to The Telegraph.

Newcastle United's financial constraints might now allow them to go for a permanent transfer in January and in that case, they will opt to sign the English midfielder on loan.

Eddie Howe would have loved to bolster his squad by signing a new striker, defender, and goalkeeper but the manager understands that the club are not in a position to sanction the transfers of so many new players. While their priority remains Phillips in the transfer market, they could also opt to sign former Manchester United custodian David de Gea who is a free agent.

The 28-year-old English midfielder wants to depart Manchester City as early as possible once the window opens but he has a few prerequisites before he picks his next destination. He reportedly wants to evaluate his next move by checking if he will get regular game time as he remains hopeful of making it to Gareth Southgate's England squad for Euro 2024 which will start in June next year.

The England international has also been linked with a move to Serie A giants Juventus who are also keen on signing the player temporarily on a loan deal until the end of the current season. It now remains to be seen if the player will continue in the Premier League or head to Italy next month.