Sources: Man City blocked Kalvin Phillips move after two big developments

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Published on:

14 Oct 2023, 4:30 am

Man City blocked an exit for midfielder Kalvin Phillips in the summer window after two big developments, sources have told Football Insider.

It is believed the 27-year-old was the subject of strong interest from other Premier League sides.

Phillips himself was not keen on a move away from the Etihad Stadium as he was determined to stay at Man City and fight for his place in Pep Guardiola's plans.

It is believed the treble-winners were reluctant to sanction an exit for the England international after the injury to Kevin de Bruyne and the free transfer exit of Ilkay Gundogan.

However, Matheus Nunes and Mateo Kovacic have signed for City and pushed Phillips further down Guardiola's pecking order.

And Phillips was snubbed by the boss in the 1-0 away loss against Arsenal last week - despite Rodri's suspension.

The Spaniard preferred to play Rico Lewis and Bernardo Silva in a defensive midfield role, while the England international sat on the bench as an unused substitute.

As such, Football Insider revealed on Friday (13 October) that Phillips is looking more and more likely to leave Man City in 2024.

The likes of Newcastle and West Ham are among those to be widely linked with a potential move for the midfielder.

Phillips has played just 760 minutes of action since joining City from Leeds United for a reported £45million last summer (2022).

Despite his lack of club action, he continues to be selected internationally by England boss Gareth Southgate.

The 27-year-old has racked up 29 senior caps and came off the bench in the 1-0 win over Australia on Friday (13 October).

In other news, senior man quits Man City after abrupt U-turn.

Manchester City