Man City and Juventus 'organise immediate meeting' to stop star joining Man Utd

Juventus have reportedly organised an immediate meeting with Manchester City’s Kalvin Phillips ahead of the January transfer window to persuade the Englishman to make the switch to the Allianz Stadium amid interest from Manchester United.

Phillips has been warming the bench at Man City since joining the club from Leeds United in the summer of 2022 for £42million. In one and a half seasons at the Etihad, he has made just 16 Premier League appearances and is linked with a move away in the New Year.

Pep Guardiola hinted as much during his post-match press conference following City’s 2-1 win over Luton Town at the weekend. Asked whether Phillips will be sold next month, the Catalan coach replied: “I don’t know what’s going to happen. I feel so sorry for my decision for him. I’ve said that many times.

“He doesn’t deserve what has happened to him and I’m so sorry. The only thing I can say about him is I am asking for good personalities and characters and he is a perfect example. And after that I have to give him something and I didn’t do that.

“It’s just because I visualise some things and visualise the team and things – and I struggle to see him. I’m not very pleased [with myself] and I am so sorry for him. I will not say that [to him] because it is a business and I have to be a professional.”

According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Juventus is Phillips’ most likely ticket out of the club. The Italian giants are understood to have intensified their interest in the player over the last couple of days. Juve’s sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli has reportedly scheduled a meeting with Man City for “as soon as possible” to discuss a possible transfer.

Fierce rivals Man Utd are also said to be interested in the midfielder but if Juventus are keen then the Citizens will likely favour their bid. As per the Sun, Phillips is at the top of the Red Devils’ summer shopping list as they look to bolster their squad following a dismal 3-0 loss to Bournemouth on Saturday. 

There are growing concerns about the lack of stability in midfield with United hoping to bring in a deep-lying midfielder to strengthen them in the centre of the park. Phillips proved himself to be an excellent defensive midfielder at Leeds but hasn’t been given the opportunity to shine at City.

At 28 years old, there is still plenty of gas left in the tank while he could be picked up for a cut price given the Sky Blues’ desperation to get him off their books.