According to reports, Barcelona has not yet increased their interest in Kalvin Phillips, a midfielder for Manchester City.
Under the correct circumstances, the England international is reportedly open to being transferred, either permanently or on a loan.
Even though City is prepared to demand a significant sum, the latter of two options is the most realistic given the restricted funds during the January window.
According to reports, the Premier League‘s biggest clubs are seeking a buyout obligation and compensation of about £7 million if they decide to temporarily part ways.
As it stands, several admirers have been turned off by such terms, including Juventus and Newcastle United, who need to make sure they stay inside the FFP guidelines.
Still, it’s reported that Barcelona has been speculating while teams like West Ham United are considering pressing through a deal.
This is true even though the Catalan giants have well-documented financial problems, and club officials have already stated that adding players at this point in the season is improbable.
Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano claims that this is the reason Barcelona and City have not yet communicated directly on a possible trade for Phillips.
According to reports, Barcelona believes that the existing terms are “too expensive,” and that the La Liga team is currently not practically able to fulfil the obligation to buy.
Romano continues, saying that West Ham is presently awaiting a response from Phillips, who must take into account both his immediate and long-term goals.
The 28-year-old is in severe need of playing time in the first squad before Euro 2024, but City’s insistence on having to make a purchase makes things more difficult for both the player and potential employers.
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Just four appearances for City since the beginning of November have come from Phillips, one of which was a start in a Champions League dead-rubber against Red Star Belgrade.
With four and a half years left on his Etihad Stadium deal, Phillips leaves City in a strong position going forward as they attempt to collect the £45 million they agreed to pay in 2022.