‘Maybe’ - Newcastle United star reveals Kalvin Phillips should only leave Man City on one condition

Newcastle United have been linked with a potential move for Phillips in January with the 27-year-old starting only five matches for Manchester City since he joined from Leeds United for £42million last summer. Despite a lack of first-team starts, Phillips has still managed to pick up Premier League, FA Cup, Champions League and UEFA Super Cup winners’ medals in less than 18-months at the club.

But with Newcastle still looking to strengthen their midfield options amid uncertainty surrounding Sandro Tonali, Phillips has emerged as an option for Eddie Howe’s side in January.

When asked about Phillips’ future at Man City, Wilson feels the former Leeds man should keep fighting for his place instead of looking to leave.

“It all depends on the individual and what you want,” Wilson said on the Footballer’s Football Podcast. “If you stay at Man City, you finish your career with numerous trophies and if that's something that appeals to you then great. 

“He's still so young though and he's a top player and he'll feel, and I feel, he can contribute to that City squad. The only problem is you have someone in Rodri who is his competition who is really good as well so it's really difficult.”

Wilson went on to say the only conditions he would seriously consider leaving a club like Man City.

“Would I leave City? Maybe on loan but I'd still want to be a Man City player being honest,” added The Magpies’ No. 9, putting himself in Phillips’ shoes. “You're at arguably the best team in the world and at the best teams in the world you're going to have competition and you're going to have to bide your time so you can't shy away from the fight.

“In my opinion, I would stay put and fight because I'm a fighter but how long do you fight for? There are so many contributing factors to that.”

Phillips has admitted that he has a decision to make regarding his future ahead of the January transfer window as he looks to secure his place in the England squad for Euro 2024 next summer

“I know that I need to be playing games and competing every weekend,” Phillips said after helping The Three Lions secure qualification with a 3-1 win over Italy earlier this month. “I’m going to have to make a decision on [my future] over the next months.

“He [Gareth Southgate] just says that for me to keep my spot I have to be playing games. That’s what I want to do. I have agreed with Gareth on that.

Phillips added: “I want to play football and want to play as much as possible. Over the last year and a half, I haven’t been able to do that due to injuries and [other factors].

“It’s something I am going to have to think about. Hopefully, my chance does come but if it doesn’t then I will have to make other decisions as well.”