As revealed by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano (via GiveMeSport), Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips is understood to be a target for Everton this summer.
The Toffees are looking for a defensive midfielder after the departure of Amadou Onana to Everton. Manager Sean Dyche could be ready to help Phillips resurrect his career after an underwhelming time at the Etihad.
KALVIN PHILLIPS’ WOES YET TO BE RESOLVED AT MAN CITY
The 28-year-old has fallen out of favour and Pep Guardiola has openly talked about the player’s problems in midfield. The former Leeds United star burst into the scene in the 2016/17 season for the Championship side and has since made 214 appearances for the Whites.
His move to Man City was seen as a very promising move that would help the Englishman to upgrade his gameplay. However, with Rodri cementing his place as an undisputable starter, Phillips was left to rot on the bench.
He didn’t feature regularly and was sent on loan to West Ham United in the second half of last season. The midfielder wasn’t up to the mark at the East London club as well.
The English star also failed to feature for Gareth Southgate in the Euros 2024 due to his lack of game time.
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Guardiola didn’t have many options and tried to give him a chance in the preseason games. But now, the manager has remained unimpressed by the senior star’s lack of productivity in midfield.
He pointed to his inability to drive the ball from tight spaces and play progressive passes upfront. Phillips was known for his defensive screening and long-range passing ability at Leeds. He provided an outlet on transition and used to play passes to the wingers more often.
The same hasn’t been the case with Guardiola since the manager prefers a rather quick response in midfield and with little time on the ball, he has continued to falter.
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PHILLIPS RECEIVING INTEREST FROM TWO PL CLUBS
Aston Villa were linked with a move for Phillips but the rumours didn’t pick up pace. It has now been said that Everton are ready to help Phillips unlock his potential as he moves to the prime years of his career.
However, the Toffees won’t be able to match his current salary of £150,000-a-week that he earns at Man City. Either the midfielder needs to take a pay cut or Dyche’s side might explore a loan move that helps them finance a deal.
Everton wants to perform well in the upcoming campaign after fighting relegation for two consecutive seasons. On the other side, no player would like to sit on the bench knowing that he might never get to play.
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Hence, it’s a win-win situation for both parties involved. After all, Phillips might finally get the chance to take a fresh breath and build a new start to his falling career.
However, it remains to be seen whether the Toffees submit a concrete offer for the Man City star in the upcoming weeks.
