Juvenuts and Newcastle face battle for Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips – Paper Round

The Daily Mail reports that Juventus are keen on bringing in Kalvin Phillips on loan from Manchester City if the England international decides to quit the Etihad in the upcoming winter transfer window.

The 27-year-old has failed to break into the City side under Pep Guardiola and could entertain a move away ahead of Euro 2024.

“The England international has featured for just 216 minutes across eight appearances this season, with teenager Rico Lewis so far preferred during City’s Champions League campaign.

“Phillips, who has always been ready to fight for his place under Pep Guardiola, is left with a decision to make ahead of next summer’s European Championship.

“Mail Sport understands that Juventus – battling in a Serie A title race with Inter – are among those exploring the possibility of a loan deal for the 27-year-old, a move that would help Gareth Southgate’s squad planning.”

The Telegraph writes that Newcastle are looking at a couple of options to strengthen their numbers amid an injury crisis.

One move being considered is to bring back Yankuba Minteh back from his loan spell at Feyenoord, given the level of performances in the Netherlands. Another is to make a move for City midfielder Phillips.

“The 19-year-old arrived from Danish club Odense for around £7 million in the summer but was immediately sent out on loan to gain first team experience under a highly rated manager in Arne Slot.

“But given the extent of Newcastle’s injury problems this season – manager Eddie Howe was without 13 players for the 1-1 draw with Paris Saint Germain this week – conversations have recently taken place about whether the youngster should return to Tyneside.

“Newcastle did not insert a recall option into the loan contract with Feyenoord and staff are currently weighing up whether it would be better to leave the teenager where he is or ask the Dutch club to send him back.

“Feyenoord would not have to agree to the recall request, given they paid a loan fee to sign him for the whole season, but the relationship between the clubs is a good one and there is hope a compromise could be reached.

“The main priority in January is to sign a replacement for Sandro Tonali, who is serving a 10 month ban for breaching betting rules during his time at former club AC Milan, with Manchester City’s England international Kalvin Phillips featuring prominently in planning meetings.

‘Telegraph Sport understands City would not refuse to send him to Tyneside, but there is intense competition to sign the 27-year-old, who has hinted he needs to leave as he is not getting enough game time at the Etihad Stadium.”

The Evening Standard explains why Barcelona may find it tough to sign Giovani Lo Celso from Tottenham this January.

The Londoners do not want to let the playmaker leave on loan, and the Spaniards might not have the funds to complete a transfer.

“The 27-year-old midfielder faces questions over his future before the trip to face Manchester City on Sunday.

“Tottenham already blocked attempts from Barcelona to sign Lo Celso on loan in the summer despite allowing him to join Villarreal on a similar deal last season. They instead demanded a sizeable transfer fee, which the Catalan giants couldn’t pay.

“Barcelona manager Xavi continues to push for the transfer in the January window after losing midfielder Gavi to a long-term injury.

“Lo Celso is now seen as the primary transfer target at Camp Nou, but the cash-strapped side will likely have to sell players to fund any potential deal.”

The Mirror reports that Brentford are confident that Ivan Toney will stay at the club for the rest of the season despite interest from Premier League sides Arsenal and Chelsea.

The striker is currently serving the last few weeks of his ban for betting breaches.

“The striker is currently serving an eight-month ban for breaching the Football Association’s betting rules. He is expected to be back in action in January with clubs in the Premier League rumoured to be interested.

“Chelsea have been linked, while Arsenal are long-term admirers of the 27-year-old. However, Frank has full confidence that the Bees will be able to call upon his services for the remainder of the campaign.

“He currently has 18 months left to run on his contract in West London. Brentford re-signed Neal Maupay in the summer in order to cope with Toney’s absence although the Everton man has just one goal to his name.”