Everton have been offered encouragement that a move for Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips is on the cards for January.
Phillips has failed to win over Pep Guardiola since joining from Leeds United in July 2022 and was linked with a move away in the summer.
The Toffees were among the clubs tipped to move for Phillips during the close-season, but he opted to stay at the Etihad Stadium.
However, after starting just one game in all competitions this season – in the EFL Cup – the England international now seems open to an exit.
Speaking to BBC Sport after England’s win over Italy on Tuesday (17 October), Phillips said he’ll make a call on his future “over the next months”.
Phillips acknowledged that if he is to continue starting big games for England, as he did versus Italy, he needs to play regularly at club level.
It is fair to assume that will not be the case at Man City, as he did not even get a look-in when Rodri was recently serving a three-game ban.
Everton are not alone in being linked with Phillips, but Sussex World (10 October) recently suggested they and West Ham were considered the frontrunners.
Newcastle United and, more fancifully, former club Leeds United have also been credited with an interest in the 27-year-old.
The Toffees were always going to face competition for Phillips’ signature, but they have to feel encouraged by this latest development.
Phillips accepts he may have to join a new team in January – likely permanently, but possibly on loan – and Everton are as good a choice as any.
The ongoing uncertainty regarding the 777 Partners takeover complicates matters, of course, but let’s hope the picture is soon made clearer.
Once that is the case, the first port of call should be readying a bid for Phillips.
