ALVISE CAGNAZZO: Kalvin Phillips is little more than a spare part at Manchester City – but Juventus think he might be the missing piece in their midfield puzzle as talks over a January loan move intensify

• The former Leeds midfielder cuts a peripheral figure amongst Treble winners 
• Juventus have lost midfielders and will look to strengthen in January window
• Big debates on Man United, Chelsea and Arsenal on It’s All Kicking Off podcast 

Kalvin Phillips has been requested by Massimiliano Allegri as Juventus’ number one transfer target, and is also highly regarded by sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli, with a view to bringing the player in during the January 2025 transfer market. 

According to Gazzetta dello Sport, the Italian club has quietly begun negotiations for a loan deal with the option to buy the English midfielder who under Marcelo Bielsa’s guidance at Leeds became a standout in English football. 

Juventus has been forced to give up Paul Pogba and Nicolo Fagioli due to the suspensions the players have been handed and will make recruiting at least two midfield reinforcements a priority in January – starting with the Yorkshireman who at present can only watch matches through binoculars from the bench at Manchester City. 

The Old Lady wants Phillips not just because they have faith in him providing a missing piece in the puzzle in Turin, but because they are convinced they get a great deal on the market for a player of his quality. 

A starter during the last Euro 2024 qualifying tie against Italy, the negative situation at Man City nonetheless could put his career in jeopardy. Serie A could be an ideal league to enhance his technical and tactical abilities. 

Kalvin Phillips has enjoyed much of Manchester City’s season so far from the subs’ bench

Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri believes the former Leeds star could be crucial in Turin

The Old Lady are unable to call on Nicolo Fagioli for the next seven months after his illegal gambling suspension

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Newcastle are believed to be another suitor for the player, but Man City are thought to prefer to sell the midfielder to Italy – and thereby avoid strengthening a Premier League rival. 

OLD LADY KEEPING HER OPTIONS OPEN 

With Juventus close to wrapping up their pursuit of Udinese’s Lazar Samardzic, they are hoping to act with similar speed to secure Phillips, as opposed to perhaps more ambitious targets including Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg of Tottenham and Atletico Madrid’s Rodrigo De Paul. 

The Turin-based side is an option that fascinates the English midfielder, partly because of the history of the club and partly because of the possibility of playing as a starter. 

However, the Italian club are keen to have the option to buy him should the second-half of the season prove a success in the summer of 2024.

The idea of ​​a six-month loan without the option to buy seems unpopular as the club look to avoid being pigeonholed as a winter holiday destination for top foreign players. 

But as talks intensify, a deal could be reached as soon as December. 

Despite failing to win playing time at the Etihad, Phillips remains valuable to Gareth Southgate

Pep Guardiola has limited interest in the midfielder but the club is keen not to lose him to a Premier League rival

GUARDIOLA’S SNUBBING COULD BREED ENGLAND SILENCE

Six appearances between Premier League and cup competitions, under 170 minutes in total this season are too few for a player who was the irreplaceable linchpin of Leeds’ midfield. 

The English player is completely ignored by Pep Guardiola and wants to boost his game-time to stay in consideration for the English national team.

Giuntoli does not have an immediate budget available, despite Juventus having launched a capital increase of £173.5million (€200m), but will look for a free loan with the right to buy should Juventus gain Champions League qualification – but despite limited playing time, Phillips’ valuation remains extremely high. 

IT’S ALL KICKING OFF! 

It’s All Kicking Off is an exciting new podcast from Mail Sport that promises a different take on Premier League football, launching with a preview show today and every week this season.

It is available on MailOnline, Mail+, YouTube , Apple Music and Spotify

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