Over the past couple of months, there have been widespread reports indicating that Tottenham is poised to enter the transfer market for a midfielder in January, contingent on approving the departure of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg (as reported by Football Insider).
Phillips has emerged as one of the potential targets for Tottenham, with sources suggesting that the English international is eager to leave Manchester City in pursuit of consistent playing time (Football Transfers).
Nevertheless, recent indications suggest that Ange Postecoglou’s team may encounter competition from Newcastle, who have reportedly identified the City player as a key addition to reinforce their midfield (TEAMtalk). According to 90 min, Eddie Howe considers Phillips among his top choices to bolster Newcastle’s midfield in January, and the Magpies are reportedly very keen on securing his services.
The report also states that the decision-makers at St James Park have initiated discussions about a possible loan move for the former Leeds United star. Additionally, it is emphasized that if the 27-year-old departs the Etihad Stadium in January, Newcastle would be his preferred destination.
The preference for Newcastle is not surprising, given that Phillips believes he stands a better chance of securing regular starting opportunities in the North East, particularly with Sandro Tonali facing a ban. Phillips prioritizes playing time, especially with an eye on the European Championship next summer, making a move to Spurs a challenging proposition.
