‘Excellent’ Liverpool target now prefers January move to Newcastle

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Kalvin Phillips reportedly prefers a January move to Newcastle United in January despite the midfielder being linked with Liverpool.

According to CalcioMercato, the Manchester City benchwarmer is hopeful of making the switch to St. James Park, even with the likes of Liverpool and Juventus both keeping tabs on Phillips.

Praised by Gareth Southgate as an ‘excellent’ player, the England international has been linked with Liverpool for quite some time, with a January move likely from the Reds.

However, in recent days it now looks like the battle to sign Phillips will boil down to Newcastle or Juventus, with the Magpies pulling away in the race.

For Liverpool, losing out on Phillips is hardly the end of the world, though the 27-year-old signing for another Premier League rival in Newcastle is far from ideal.

Indeed, the Reds would have preferred to see Phillips move abroad had the midfielder not joined Liverpool, and Eddie Howe getting his hands on the England star could be a nightmare situation.

Phillips snubbing Liverpool for Newcastle is a big blow

Phillips clearly has a lot left in the tank despite hardly playing for City in the last 12 months, which is why the midfielder potentially joining Newcastle is a blow for Liverpool.

The former Leeds United star is one of the best defensive midfielders in the Premier League, and under a manager like Howe, Phillips could elevate his game to a whole new level.

As a result, Newcastle could once again become a problem for Liverpool, with the Toon now a contender for top-four if Phillips is signed.