Chris Waddle suggests Newcastle United swoop for Leeds United star Kalvin Phillips
Leeds United star Kalvin Phillips has been suggested to Newcastle United as a transfer target by Chris Waddle.
Phillips, 25, is one of the stand-out midfielders not only in the Premier League but also in Europe after shining for England at the Euros in the summer.
The Daily Star reported last month that Manchester United have shown an interest in the £60million-rated midfielder who would be reluctant to leave Elland Road. However, it is understood that he fears Marcelo Bielsa could quit the Yorkshire club next summer.
Newcastle’s newfound wealth has opened up a realm of possibilities for them and BBC pundit Waddle feels Phillips is someone who the Geordies could target.
“Your Bayern Munichs and teams like that and say ‘we want him, we want him’,” the ex-Newcastle star told The Sun.
“Test them. Could you get somebody like Eden Hazard out from Real Madrid? On loan even until the end of the season and then pay a fee.
“Federico Chiesa, yes. Moussa Diaby. Anthony Martial, not fitting in to Manchester United — all available. Donny van de Beek.
“And then do you test teams like Arsenal for your people like Emile Smith Rowe?
“What about Kalvin Phillips at Leeds? Declan Rice. Marco Asensio at Real Madrid.
“There are so many talented players at a good age, and this is what it’s about.”
No way
If Newcastle can survive the drop, show some intent in the transfer market and hire a good manager and show more promise this season than Leeds, then we might feel as though Phillips will move there.
However, the England international has been linked with Manchester United and if they come calling, why would he move to Newcastle?
We don’t want to see him join Man United and based on the fact he’s a Leeds lad who was born and bred in this city and supports the Whites, we don’t think he’ll ever contemplate a move to Old Trafford.
But if Man United can target him, any of the other so-called big six clubs in the Premier League could do the same.
Newcastle are bound to be linked with a lot of players over the coming months and years as they build a squad with the disgusting amount of money they’ve come into.
Let’s just hope they keep their fingers off of Phillips.
In other Leeds United news, Michael Owen has predicted the score of Leeds versus Southampton.