Newcastle United’s transfer plans have been handed a setback, as one of their primary midfield targets has knocked back an approach to leave his current club.

It is being reported by The Telegraph that Newcastle target Kalvin Phillips has opted to remain at Manchester City and fight for his place in Pep Guardiola’s side.

Phillips opts to remain with City instead of transfer to Newcastle

Newcastle had been monitoring the midfielder’s situation at the Etihad, and were rumored to be interested in making a move. However, despite struggling in his first season with the Premier League champions, Phillips intends to stay with City next season.

Phillips has struggled since swapping Leeds for Man City, having made just 17 appearances across all competitions in 2022-23. Meanwhile, the midfielder was forced to wait until the final month of the season to make his first start for the recently crowned Premier League champions.

Eddie Howe is keen to add to his midfield options this summer, and a number of other targets have been pinpointed ahead of the start of the summer transfer window.