Newcastle United journalist Liam Kennedy has given his thoughts about a possible swoop by Eddie Howe’s men for Leeds United star Kalvin Phillips in the January transfer window.
25-year-0ld Phillips has long been a target for Newcastle, with links going back as far as the 2019 summer transfer window, and now with their newly acquired wealth, the chances of them being able to sign him may have increased, with former Toon player Chris Waddle urging the club to try and sign him following the takeover of the club a few months back.
It has recently been claimed that he wouldn’t be against a move out of Elland Road in the future, so there is a chance for Newcastle to come in and pounce for him should they wish to make a bid.
And speaking on the latest edition of NUFC Matters, Kennedy discussed the idea of Newcastle making a move when posed the question by a supporter, and emphatically threw his support behind it, claiming he would be perfect for the club given their current battle against relegation.
He said: “If he’s available, I think you’d pay any money to bring him in, because he’s exactly what they need, exactly what they need in that midfield. Combative, a leader, good on the ball. He’s got everything, Phillips.”
TIF Thoughts on Liam Kennedy’s comments about Kalvin Phillips and Newcastle United…
Will Newcastle survive relegation under Eddie Howe?
Yes
No
Kennedy is right that Phillips, who has 19 caps for England, is perfect for Newcastle because of what he brings to the table both in attack and defence.
He is currently averaging 2.3 tackles and 1.2 interceptions per game in the Premier League, which would put him fourth and second amongst Newcastle players respectively. On top of that, he also demonstrates an impressive passing ability, with an 82.9% completion rate only bettered on Tyneside by Federico Fernandez of those to have started a league game for the Magpies this term.
So he could help Newcastle out in multiple aspects of the game and could certainly help them in their battle to avoid relegation.
It should be noted, though, that Phillips is currently in the process of recovering from quite a bad injury, so it could be a very big risk for Newcastle to try and make a deal happen in January, especially considering how much it could potentially cost them given how important he is, because the last thing they need is to spend that money on someone and for them not to play a game.
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