£97m Leeds United January reunion claim as new clubs enter race for Newcastle United transfer target

Transfers from Newcastle United: In addition to West Ham United and Crystal Palace, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are now vying for Kalvin Phillips.

Kalvin Phillips, a midfielder for Manchester City, is expected to go on loan from the team during the January transfer window, though it is unclear where he will end up.

The 28-year-old England international was reportedly the top target for Newcastle, but the club has since pulled out of the deal because of Man City’s high loan fee demands. West Ham United and Crystal Palace have also been connected, with Roy Hodgson, the Palace manager, openly expressing his desire to sign Phillips on a loan.

After Juventus withdrew their interest, the former Leeds United midfielder has also been linked to a move overseas. However, a transfer to Europe may still be in the works as The Telegraph reports that the midfielder is currently being considered by Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, two of the biggest teams in La Liga.

Phillips would reunite with Raphinha, his former Leeds teammate, if he moved to Barcelona. Before spending £42 million and £55 million, respectively, on teams at Manchester City and Barcelona, the two spent two seasons together in the Premier League at Leeds.

In an effort to guarantee his spot in the England team for the forthcoming European Championships in Germany this summer, Phillips is eager to depart City this month. Despite having 31 caps for his country, Phillips has only started two Premier League games since joining Man City in the summer of 2022.

Phillips is a major target for Newcastle, who are eager to expand their alternatives in the middle. The team has also scouted Ederson, a midfielder for Atlanta; however, due to Financial Fair Play regulations, deals for both players this month may be challenging.