Newcastle United signed Bruno Guimaraes in January to provide protection at the heart of the midfield, but the 24-year-old has preferred a more advanced role so Eddie Howe still needs a defensive-minded player to protect the backline.
Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips is on their radar and would be an excellent addition to the ranks as he’s one of the best ball-winners in the Premier League. Alan Hutton has endorsed the signing, telling Howe that the 26-year-old would make Newcastle a better team next season.
He told Football Insider: “(Newcastle are) trying to go for those European places. It’s about picking the right players to come in and make the team better. Phillips will make any team better. If (they) can get him through the door, it would be an unbelievable signing.”
Phillips has made 233 appearances in all competitions since rising through the youth ranks to Leeds’ first-team, scoring 14 goals with 13 assists. The England international has endured a difficult campaign in 2021/22, however, as he’s spent a lot of time on the sidelines.
Leeds aren’t doing too well in the league either (17th and one point above relegation) and are at risk of the drop. Despite this, Phillips has still made more tackles (52) in 19 games than Bruno Guimaraes managed in 16 (40), so he’s exactly what the Magpies need.
Whether a deal gets over the line remains to be seen, however, as there is interest elsewhere.
In other news, Noel Whelan tips Newcastle to sign James Tarkowski
