Juventus are eyeing up a loan move for out-of-favour Man City star Kalvin Phillips… despite the £43m midfielder previously claiming he wanted to fight for a place in Pep Guardiola’s side
- Several clubs, including Juventus, have shown interest in Kalvin Phillips
- The midfielder has failed to secure regular playing time at Manchester City
- IAN LADYMAN: When Spurs take on City they'll have their pants pulled down – It all starts
Juventus are emerging as a potential destination for Kalvin Phillips if the midfielder decides to leave Manchester City in January.
The England international has played just 216 minutes in eight games this season, with teenager Rico Lewis favored during City's Champions League campaign so far.
Phillips, who has always been willing to fight for his place under Pep Guardiola, has a decision to make ahead of next summer's European Championship.
Mail Sport understands that Juventus – who are battling it out 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.
A £43m move from Leeds to the Etihad Stadium has proven difficult for Phillips, who has struggled to earn Guardiola's trust. He played fewer than 600 minutes during the Treble-winning season but insisted during the summer that he wanted to intrude into the manager's plans.
Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips is seen as a potential target by Juventus
Massimiliano Allegri wants to bring Phillips to Turin after struggling to get into Pep Guardiola's team
That didn't work out, with the Carabao Cup defeat to Newcastle United being his only start. City let the player determine his own future when clubs circled during the last transfer market and will do the same this time.
Juventus have five players in midfield, with Weston McKennie – who failed to impress on loan at Leeds last season – often chosen alongside Italian internationals Manuel Locatelli and Fabio Miretti or Adrien Rabiot.
Mateo Kovacic has been given the nod ahead of Phillips and could be back in Guardiola's squad for Sunday's match against Ange Postecoglou's Tottenham.
The Australian, who managed City's Japanese sister club Yokohama F. Marinos, has won praise from Guardiola and is expected to stick to his attacking principles despite a string of injuries to key players.
“Absolutely not,” Guardiola said when asked if Tottenham could change to become more defensive.
Should he join Juventus, he could play alongside another ex-Leeds player, Weston McKennie, in midfield.
So far this season, Phillips (right) has made eight appearances for Man City in all competitions
'It would be a surprise. I met him in the 2019 pre-season when we played against Yokohama. I've seen some of their games before and I said, “Wow, there's stuff I like.”
'I've been following him ever since. Even in the games they haven't won lately, in a relatively short space of time I've been impressed with how well they do a lot of things – how many chances they create, how aggressive they are in all departments.
'He came here and in a few months you will recognize his team perfectly.
“I think he makes football a better place because I'm a spectator too and I really enjoy watching them with the approach they have. All Spurs fans and people in England can admit that the impact has been significant.