October 17, (THEWILL) – Bayern Munich have reportedly contacted Manchester City regarding the availability of England international, Kalvin Phillips, ahead of the January transfer window.
The Bundesliga champions pursued Fulham midfielder, Joao Palhinha, late in the summer transfer window but were unable to finalise a deal before the Portuguese star signed a new contract at Craven Cottage. Palhinha remains Bayern’s top target, but they are keeping their options open and have reached out to Phillips’ representatives to assess his situation at the Etihad.
Since his move from Leeds United, where he was instrumental under manager Marcelo Bielsa, Phillips has started just two English Premier League matches for City this season. With Rodri and John Stones occasionally used in midfield towards the end of last campaign and summer arrivals, Mathues Nunes and Mateo Kovacic, being favoured over Phillips recently, the 27-year-old England international has struggled for minutes under Pep Guardiola.
Phillips was told he could leave City in the summer but opted to stay and fight for his place, despite reported interest from West Ham, Newcastle, Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur. Bayern boss Thomas Tuchel is known to be an admirer of Phillips from his time at Leeds, while Liverpool had also considered a move before signing Ryan Gravenberch late in the summer window.
There is also interest from City in Bayern midfielder, Joshua Kimmich, whose contract has under 18 months remaining. Pep Guardiola views the 28-year-old Germany international as one of the best midfielders in world football.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
