Newcastle might sign Liverpool target on loan in January

Newcastle United are stepping up their interest in Kalvin Phillips and could sign the Manchester City midfielder on loan in January.

Liverpool are one of the other interested clubs with Juventus also expressing interest.

According to Telegraph journalist Luke Edwards, Newcastle plan to "step up" their plans to sign Phillips.

They hope a loan can be "agreed swiftly" in January which would come as a blow to Liverpool hopes of signing the English international.

Liverpool's need for a defensive midfielder is well-publicised but so is Phillips' injury history which could be a reason for why the Reds are not currently touted as strong candidates to sign him.

It might be that City don't want to strengthen one of their title rivals.

In mid-November, Pep Guardiola claimed he has no issue with selling his players to Premier League teams.

He said: “If they want to go to Chelsea or [Manchester] United or, I don’t know, Liverpool, whatever, what is the problem? They are happy to be there and the club is happy with the transfer.

“The other club is happy with the amount of money they spend, so it is fine. Another player will come to us and we keep going in a good spirit and a good mood.”

Newcastle remain favourites to sign Phillips as they seek a temporary substitute for the banned Sandro Tonali.