Transfer Talk: Toon target Phillips to plug Tonali hole

Newcastle are plotting a January loan move for Manchester City outcast Kalvin Phillips to bolster their depleted midfield.

The Toon need to add some steel in the middle of the park this winter after summer signing Sandro Tonali was handed a 10-month ban for betting breaches.

Their initial plan was to bring former Wolves star Ruben Neves back to the Premier League from Al-Hilal but the Portuguese star now looks increasingly likely to stay put in Saudi Arabia.

Instead, the Times claim they will move for England international Phillips, 27, who is struggling for game time with Pep Guardiola's Treble-winners.

The ex-Leeds ace has made no secret of his desire for minutes ahead of Euro 2024 and a temporary switch to Tyneside may suit all parties.

As well as Phillips, the report claims Eddie Howe's men are looking to bring in highly-rated French striker Hugo Ekitike from Paris Saint-Germain.

Newcastle almost signed the 21-year-old last year, agreeing a £30million fee with his former club Reims before the player rejected the deal.

However, having barely kicked a ball at the Parc des Princes this term, the 6ft 2in striker may now be more open-minded on a switch.

In other news

Manchester United have identified Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite, 21, as their top target next summer according to Teamtalk.

The Mirror say Brentford are planning to knock back January offers for returning striker Ivan Toney, 27, who is wanted by Arsenal and Chelsea, among others.

German transfer guru Christian Falk claims Liverpool want to bring Bayern Munich star Leroy Sane, 27, back to the Premier League.