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Fulham are eyeing a late move for versatile Leicester City defenderTimothy Castagne as Sky Sports share details out of Craven Cottage.

Who will Fulham sign?

The 2022/2023 season represented a real success for Marco Silva, as his side comfortably swerved relegation and even contended for a Europe over a large period of the campaign.

Fulham even finished above west London rivals Chelsea and sealed a place in the top half, giving the Whites a solid foundation to build upon this term.

How they tackle the remaining summer transfer window, which concludes in just nine days, will be a crucial factor to their success. Silva's men, though, have signed just three players so far.

Defender Calvin Bassey swapped Ajax for Fulham in a deal worth £18.2 million, while Mexico international striker Raul Jimenez joined from Wolves and winger Adama Traore signed as a free agent.

Silva, speaking to the media earlier this month, candidly admitted that he needs his club to make more signings before September 1 particularly at full-back and other areas.

"Unfortunately, we need many still. We have some important players injured,” Silva said.

“I hope they can come sooner. We have just two full backs, we need a midfielder too and we have just two wingers so we need another two wingers.

“We have completed our central defenders. I needed these players 15 days or 20 days ago, not now.”

The departure of star striker Aleksandar Mitrovic to Saudi side Al-Hilal also means Fulham may need to scour the market for a replacement, with Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun now heavily linked.

In terms of new winger, talks for Chelsea ace Callum Hudson-Odoi have stalled, and it is currently unclear who they're targeting as an alternative.

The full-back chase is another crucial factor for Silva, but according to Sky Sports, they have set their sights on a late move for Castagne of Leicester.

The Belgium international, who featured at last year's World Cup in Qatar, has dropped to the Championship with Leicester and we presume he could be open to a Premier League return.

Sky claim Fulham are targeting Castagne as we approach the final week of this summer window, and it is claimed that talks have already been held with the Foxes.

The 27-year-old is yet to feature under Leicester boss Enzo Maresca this season, putting his future into some question, and this could well be an opportunity for Fulham to pounce.

How good is Timothy Castagne?

If Silva wishes to reinforce his right-back area with experience and quality, Castagne may well be the right man.

According to WhoScored, the former Atalanta star was an untouchable for Leicester in the top flight last season, having featured more regularly than any other member of their squad over 22/23.

Castagne ranked among their best-performers by average match rating that year (WhoScored), with his versatility coming as another big draw.

Indeed, the defender can play anywhere across the defence, at centre-back or full-back, not to mention further out wide.

Former Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers, speaking after his side completed a deal for Castagne in 2020, revered the player for his speed and application.

"I’ve watched Timothy Castagne for a number of years – he fits the profile of how I want to work," said Rodgers.

"He’s fast, non-stop running – he wants to score but he can defend – good composure. He’s a brilliant signing for us. He’ll prove to be a really good asset for us.”

Manchester United were rocked by news of Luke Shaw's cruel injury blow just a few days ago.

As a result of that, the Red Devils could turn their attention to the transfer market in order to solve such a problem.

When will Luke Shaw return from injury?

The club fear that the left-back's injury blow is now worse than they originally thought.

Indeed, Shaw has suffered a muscular injury and according to Manchester Evening News, he could now be out for up to two months, meaning we may well not see him in action again until late October.

United initially suggested that the England international would miss just weeks of action, rather than months.

Who could replace Luke Shaw at Man United?

Erik ten Hag is currently without a senior left-back with Shaw's understudy, Tyrell Malacia also currently nursing an injury.

One idea could be to move Lisandro Martinez to a left-back berth but another option is to attack the transfer market before it closes on Friday evening.

According to Fabrizio Romano, one target is Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella.

The journalist took to social media on Saturday evening to say: "Manchester United made contact with Chelsea to ask about conditions of Marc Cucurella deal on potential loan — no bid or concrete talks yet."

How good is Marc Cucurella?

Sadly the answer is not very. The Spaniard burst onto the Premier League scene with Brighton where his electric displays down the left flank were captivating.

Indeed, during the 2021/22 campaign, Cucurella ranked inside the best 14% of left-backs in the Premier League for progressive carries and the top 12% of positionally similar players for progressive passes, as per FBref.

Only 10% of left-backs completed more passes and more passes into the final third than the now 25-year-old who was playing for Brighton at the time.

Fast forward to the current day and the 5 foot 8 full-back is now a "liability" at Chelsea, as reporter Josh Bunting put it.

The 2022/23 term saw Cucurella rank among the best 55% of full-backs for progressive carries and the top 39% for progressive carries. That is some regression and indicative of the woeful spell he has endured at Stamford Bridge.

Defensively he has been rather inept, ranking inside the best 74% for interceptions and best 77% for percentage of dribblers tackled.

Seemingly now error-stricken at the back and lacking in attacking capabilities, this would mark another poor deal for Ten Hag and co.

Only in January did they opt for the short-term option in Wout Weghorst and we all know how that went.

As Cristiano Ronaldo took his leave and Man United failed to find an adequate replacement, the Dutchman was brought in on a temporary basis.

However, after failing to score in all 17 of his Premier League appearances for the club, it's safe to say the move was a disaster.

United do need a left-back, that much is true, but a short-term option for a player as out of form and out of favour as Cucurella would do them no favours. Indeed, it could be another repeat of their Weghorst disaster.

The club's recruitment team are better off searching for alternatives here.

It may only be a few weeks into the new Premier League season but already Manchester United are proving themselves to be in a mess.

No one knows whether the Glazers are coming or going while Jadon Sancho is now at a war of words with Erik ten Hag on social media over his place in the team.

That would cause a stir even at the best of times, let alone a matter of hours after a gut-wrenching defeat to one of your rivals, Arsenal.

The feeling at Old Trafford could have been a great deal different had a few key moments gone their way.

Alejandro Garnacho's dart towards the penalty area with two minutes of normal time remaining should have won them the game. Indeed, it looked as though it had once he'd slotted the ball beyond Aaron Ramsdale.

Yet, the dreaded VAR ruled it out for offside before two late goals from Declan Rice and Gabriel Jesus saw proceedings at the Emirates end 3-1 in favour of the hosts.

The blame could be pointed in the direction of many on the away team on Sunday, namely the likes of Jonny Evans and Harry Maguire who were rather fed to the wolves during their late cameos. That said, Anthony Martial should also be asked questions of after another sorry display in attack.

How many goals has Anthony Martial scored for Man United?

When the Frenchman arrived in the Premier League all the way back in 2015, great things were expected.

So much was hoped, in fact, that a Ballon d'Or clause was woven into the agreement with Monaco over his transfer to United.

Like his immense potential, however, that is unlikely to be met.

32

9

1

0

2

0

106

27

111

35

49

17

Stats via Transfermarkt.

At the age of 27, Martial is supposedly now in his prime but has never looked as though he'll be a huge success at the club. The very fact he was loaned to Sevilla for a short stint last year shows that not many rate him.

As a result, the idea of the £250k-per-week forward playing up top at the Emirates didn't bode well from minute one.

In fact, his display showed why Sancho has every right to be angry over his current alienation from the squad. Indeed, is is rather damning if you can't even get in the squad over a player with just 11 goals in the last two years.

How did Martial perform against Arsenal?

The attacker's performance was aptly summed up by just how lively Rasmus Hojlund looked on debut.

Thrown into the game at Martial's expense in the 67th minute, he immediately gave Ten Hag's side a better focal point. Hustling and bustling his way to get on the end of every ball, he gave Gabriel more of a run for his money than the former Monaco man did in over an hour.

Although he completed all 11 of his passes, the fact the France international only managed 18 touches – one every six minutes – said it all.

That was fewer times than both goalkeepers, Aaron Ramsdale (28) and Andre Onana (56), while both stoppers registered more passes too.

18 touches

11 passes

1 shot

2/5 duels won

0 dribble attempts

Stats via Sofascore.

Martial certainly cut an isolated figure, managing just one shot in the entire game, while winning only two of his five duels.

Battered and bruised by both Gabriel and William Saliba, it was an afternoon to forget for a player who once promised so much.

He used to the Hojlund-like figure that United pinned their hopes on but it would not be a surprise if the Norwegian soon leap-frogs him in the pecking order.

Judging by his cameo on Sunday, one where he looked to run the channels and spin in behind, Martial could find himself benched once the international break finishes.

Slammed for his "anonymity" by MEN's Samuel Luckhurst and dubbed a "passenger" by broadcaster Harry Symeou, there really is no better way to describe his impact in north London last weekend.

Nothing much happened for Martial in a game that rather summed up his topsy-turvy stint in English football.

If United weren't so short of options at centre-forward, his career under Ten Hag would surely have been spent. Either way, he simply cannot be a reliable option anymore for the Dutch manager.

Aston Villa have been on the rise following the arrival of Unai Emery, who has surpassed expectation since his return to the Premier League.

The Spaniard was the manager of Arsenal for 18 months before returning to Spain and has changed the scenery at Villa Park in a short amount of time after being welcomed to the Midlands back in October 2022.

Along with the improvements he made through the squad on the pitch, the four-time Europa League winner had a strong summer of business in the transfer window, welcoming five new faces.

While Villa have seen a positive time in the market of late, it hasn’t always been that way, with some deals prevailing as awful moves and a huge loss of finances to players that did not cut it.

One departure earlier this summer was one with the feel of being a long time coming, as Wesley Moraes was picked up by Stoke City in July.

How much did Wesley Moraes cost Aston Villa?

Signed by the Villans in 2019 from Club Brugge, there was a lot of excitement surrounding the striker’s arrival, who was part of a £22m deal.

The forward’s talents attracted Dean Smith after his impressive 2018/19 campaign in Belgium, where he scored ten goals and registered nine assists in the Jupiler Pro League.

At just 22, the Brazilian made a fast start to life in England, scoring four times within his first eight Premier League appearances, giving those associated with Villa something to be excited about.

Things quickly came crashing down for the striker, as he suffered a traumatic ACL injury against Burnley during the fixture that he scored in, with the injury being recognisably serious due to the mechanism of the challenge.

The £35k-per-week forward was absent for nearly 500 days as he battled rehabilitation and searched for match fitness, following an injury that subsequently ended his career at Villa.

Following his return, the former Brugge star played just 15 minutes in the Premier League in claret and blue, before heading out on three different loan spells in a bid to rediscover his form. That, however, was not forthcoming.

While he was away, the Brazilian managed to score just six goals in nearly three years, suggesting the toll that the injury had on his ability.

Picking up £1.8m a year from his salary at Villa, where he spent two full years and featured 26 times, the £35k-per-week forward cost the club an average of £846k per game he played when the aforementioned fee is considered. Indeed, this was unfortunately a deal that turned out to be horrendous for all involved.

Why was Wesley worth that much?

On his day, Wesley showcased the damage he could cause to the opposition with his fearless approach to play, however, his Premier League career turned out to ultimately be a failure.

While it was no fault of the player, who sustained such a horrific injury so early into his time at Villa, his services cost the club a pretty penny.

It’s hoped that the Brazil international with one cap can get the ball rolling again at Stoke, with manager Alex Neil hoping that the 26-year-old can “take off again” with the Potters.

Everyone associated with Aston Villa would relish in seeing their former player succeed once more, drawing a line under the expenses lost to facilitate his injury-riddled time with the club.

Chelsea have a first-team player who may be tempted to leave if the right offer comes in, amid interest from one of Europe's top clubs, according to journalist Dean Jones.

What's the latest Chelsea transfer news?

Although the summer transfer window has not long ended, rumours continue to swirl about the future of a number of Chelsea players, with it now being revealed the club plan to sell Trevoh Chalobah in January, in order to balance their Financial Fair Play books.

Both Chalobah and Conor Gallagher could depart in the next transfer window, and the funds raised could be used to sign a new striker, with Mauricio Pochettino identifying a number of targets, including Brentford's Ivan Toney, who could cost up to £80m.

In the same article, Jones details that Napoli's Victor Osimhen is the Blues' number one target in attack, but the Nigerian is likely to be more expensive, as Napoli were holding out for a fee of £172m in the summer, and it is unlikely their stance has changed.

In order to fund a move for a top-level striker, Chelsea may be forced to cash-in on one of their key players, with Football Insider reporting they would be willing to accept a "ridiculous" offer for club captain Reece James, amid interest from Real Madrid.

The Spanish giants have long been interested in the 23-year-old, but he is currently tied down to a long-term contract at Stamford Bridge, having signed a £250k-per-week deal which is not due to expire until 2028.

James appears to be committed to Chelsea for the long-term future, but Jones has now suggested the right-back may be tempted by a move to Real Madrid if an offer came in.

In an interview with GiveMeSport, the journalist said: “The Madrid interest in Reece James is nothing new. I know this has been there for a while now, and the player has been aware of it. But currently, his complete focus has been on Chelsea, getting fit and emerging as a leader in this squad.

"The only thing Chelsea should worry about is if this season goes badly. The player is committed, but if they have anything like a repeat of last term, and Madrid make the offer for James, he’s got a decision to make. Turning that down would not be easy.”

Will Reece James stay at Chelsea?

There is nothing to suggest the England international is unhappy at Stamford Bridge, having previously made it clear he would be happy to spend his whole career with his boyhood club.

It has not been the easiest of years for the defender, having suffered with repeated injury issues, most recently being ruled out with another hamstring problem, which is set to keep him sidelined for a minimum of a few more weeks.

However, if James is able to put his injury problems behind him, his return could be a real boost for Pochettino, having been lauded as an "incredible footballer" by members of the media when he received more regular game time.

Aston Villa suffered a horrendous defeat at Villa Park in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night, as Everton rewrote their fortune in the Midlands this season with a 2-1 victory.

Unai Emery’s side were dealt their second cup defeat in the past six days, with their Europa Conference League opener ending in a similar fashion, as Legia Warsaw were 3-2 winners last Thursday.

A goal in the opening 15 minutes of play for the visitors seemed to set the tone of the match, as the hosts failed to cause Sean Dyche’s squad any problems, with their second goal coming just five minutes after the interval.

The Villans did get one back through Boubacar Kamara, however it wasn’t enough to get the win as the Midlands giants crashed out of the cup in the third round.

How did Aston Villa play against Everton?

In an opening 45 minutes of play that was described to be “calamitous” by Sky Sports commentator Gary Taphouse, Emery’s rotated side looked unrecognisable to the quality of the 11 that slayed Everton 4-0 just last month.

It was an evening of terrible individual performances for the hosts that accumulated a disastrous and disconnected team display, with the squad statistics telling a different story to what was seen on the pitch.

Villa held 68% of possession, which was inconclusive as the Blues recorded four big chances to the Villans’ zero, telling of just how dominant Everton were in the final third, and how anonymous the home side were, via Sofascore.

Changes were made to the usual XI, which naturally caused problems for the cohesion of the side, with the changes in midfield proving costly and reinforcing just how influential the presence of Douglas Luiz and Kamara is in the favoured lineup.

Leander Dendoncker and Youri Tielemans were added to the fold, and were ironically two of the poorest players on the pitch, as highlighted by Dendoncker’s Sofascore match rating of 6.4.

The former Wolves midfielder was dubbed an “unmitigated disaster” by members of the media during the game, as he failed to make an impact, leading to him being withdrawn at half-time.

The 28-year-old’s insignificant display was made to look better thanks to his countryman, as Tielemans was undeniably Villa’s worst performer on the night.

How did Youri Tielemans play against Everton?

Criticised for his “largely anonymous” career in the Midlands so far by podcaster Dan Rolinson, the former Leicester City whiz had an evening to forget against Everton, as he recorded an abysmal Sofascore match rating of 5.9.

The £150k-per-week dud was at fault for Everton’s second goal, misplacing a pass in midfield to allow Dominic Calvert-Lewin to race through the final third to finish, with such sequence of play branded as “sloppy” by journalist John Townley.

Aside from his match-defining error, the Belgian won just two out of his nine attempted ground duels and lost possession 11 times, leaving WhoScored’s Martin Lawrence “amazed” that he survived the half-time changes.

The 26-year-old has already hit out publicly at Emery for his “not pleasant” start to life at Villa due to limited game time, however after last night’s performance, the former Anderlecht sensation has not helped his cause.

Newcastle United are firmly in the running to sign a new midfielder in January, though a fresh report has claimed that they aren’t the club in pole position to secure his services.

Which Newcastle players are injured?

Eddie Howe currently has Sean Longstaff, Joe Willock, Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali and Joelinton as his senior options in midfield in the Premier League, and there has recently been some really positive news regarding the two Brazilians.

The Magpies are reportedly preparing to open talks with Joelinton over a new contract having already agreed terms with Bruno, but even though both look to be putting pen to paper, that hasn’t stopped the boss from wanting to enter the market to search for further reinforcements. And that's perhaps no surprise given that Joelinton and Willock are both injured currently while Tonali is struggling for full match fitness.

At Juventus, Adrien Rabiot’s contract is set to expire at the end of this season meaning that the new year will present Massimiliano Allegri’s side with their final opportunity to cash in should they not want to risk losing him for free, and if he was to depart, he won’t be short of potential suitors.

Back in June, the 28-year-old was the subject of a rejected offer from PIF, and whilst a deal failed to materialise at the time, the following update suggests that they are willing to take a second bite of the cherry in 2024.

Are Newcastle signing Adrien Rabiot?

According to Italian outlet Calciomercato.it (via Sport Witness), Newcastle “remain interested” in a swoop for Rabiot in January. The Juventus star is an “attractive” prospect to the northeast outfit, and whilst it’s Manchester United who are currently leading the race to sign him, PIF are “immediately behind” them in second place.

The St. James’ Park side “want to continue to grow” their squad and believe that the central talisman could be the perfect addition at some point in the near future.

What type of player is Adrien Rabiot?

Able to play in defensive, central and on the left side of a midfield, Rabiot is a versatile and physical “monster” on the pitch, as dubbed by Ligue 1 journalist Robin Bairner during his time at PSG, and already this season, Newcastle will have witnessed his ability to make a positive impact at both ends of the pitch.

The Frenchman, who is naturally left-footed, has so far made a total of 14 Serie A tackles which is more than any of his fellow teammates, via FBRef, so loves to get stuck into challenges, and he’s also calm and composed in possession having recorded a 90.8% pass success rate which would be the second-highest out of the starters under Howe.

Sponsored by Adidas, Allegri’s £147k-per-week earner has additionally scored one goal and provided an assist during the opening five games of the season, as per Transfermarkt, but prior to this term, the success he’s experienced speaks for itself.

Since the start of his career, Rabiot has helped to secure an outstanding 24 trophies for both club and country so possesses a fantastic winning mentality, and it’s one that would definitely match that of the current squad who are already in NE1.

Arsenal will roar back into Champions League action tonight, as they travel to RC Lens to face their first away clash since their return to the competition.

However, Mikel Arteta will face a quick turnaround from Saturday's emphatic victory over AFC Bournemouth and must contend with an injury list constantly fluctuating from day to day.

Who will be fit for Arsenal's game against RC Lens?

Having brushed aside PSV Eindhoven 4-0 in their European curtain-raiser, the Spaniard will hope to emulate that performance in France, although has seen a small upturn in ailments since the Dutch outfit came to north London.

A battling clash with rivals Tottenham Hotspur saw numerous casualties, with William Saliba, Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka adding to the huge absences that Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard had already left.

However, the former trio all managed to return in time for that trip to the Vitality Stadium, but could be rested to prepare for the all-important clash with Manchester City on the weekend.

Another positive from that match was to see their tricky Belgian make the bench, although he was not risked as they cruised past the Cherries. Perhaps, given how exceptional he was in their last Champions League match, tonight could mark the perfect time for a recall.

How good is Leandro Trossard?

After all, it was fair to say that the former Brighton and Hove Albion man rose to the challenge in that aforementioned opener against the Red and Whites, earning an 8.0 rating buoyed by his goal and assist.

A consistent creative threat down that left flank, he deputised well in the absence of Martinelli, recording three key passes and driving home a fine second for the hosts, before being subbed off after just 58 minutes, via Sofascore.

Whilst such a display understandably drew praise, it is one which has become far more commonplace nowadays, with the £90k-per-week wizard having very nearly spearheaded their title push to the very end last season.

With four goal contributions in just five games across all competitions already this campaign, the 28-year-old seems poised to enjoy yet another outstanding year, having scored eight and assisted 13 in the Premier League alone last term.

After all, as recently as March saw writer Hayley McGoldrick rush to shower the Belgian international with adulation, branding him a "magician".

Although his fitness still remains up in the air, given he was fit enough for the bench on Saturday is a huge statement that Tuesday night could be his comeback.

After all, Arteta has been vocal about Trossard's instant importance to the Gunners since his £27m move last January:

"No, seriously, we knew about his quality and what he could bring to the team. We are really pleased with him, he can play on the right, he can play on the left, he can play as an attacking midfielder, as a nine, a false nine. He’s really contributing to the team and he really takes a lot of responsibility in games to make things happen and we love that."

Given how he rose to the Champions League challenge just last month, there is every chance that should he return to the starting side, he could replicate that form again.

Newcastle United are believed to be in competition with some high-profile suitors to sign a midfielder who has been compared to Kevin De Bruyne, according to reports.

Newcastle updates: Guimaraes clause claim, Trippier comments, Wesley latest

According to a worrying Newcastle United transfer update, Bruno Guimaraes is said to have a release clause in his new contract at St James' Park that could see Barcelona sign the Brazil international for a fee around the £60 million mark. Despite his incredible consistency at the heart of Eddie Howe's engine room during the Englishman's tenure in the North East, any £60 million departure would mean that the Magpies would only actually benefit from a profit margin of £20 million for his services if he was to swap Tyneside for Catalonia.

Newcastle United defender Kieran Tripper captained England for a period in their 1-0 victory over Australia last Friday and he has spoken about the togetherness and quality he feels is currently present in the Three Lions squad, saying:

"We lost in the Euros final, but the most important thing is we're progressing, we're doing very well. We've got players who can change games, we've got goals from all over the pitch."

"Jude, Madders (James Maddison), obviously Bukayo (Saka), Phil (Foden), they can change games in certain moments. They're still young. Representing England is a big thing but these guys are playing at the top level."

Meanwhile, one recent report of Newcastle transfer news on Corinthians striker Wesley claims that the Magpies are now 'in the picture' to sign the 18-year-old, who is believed to have a release clause of his own amounting to around €100m (£86m) which is set to run for the next four years.

Newcastle United's upcoming fixtures – all competitions

Competition

Opponent

Venue

Premier League

Crystal Palace (H)

St James' Park

Champions League

Borussia Dortmund (H)

St James' Park

Premier League

Wolverhampton Wanderers (A)

Molineux

EFL Cup

Manchester United (A)

Old Trafford

Premier League

Arsenal (H)

St James' Park

Newcastle transfer update; Eduard Spertsyan

According to a Newcastle transfer update on Krasnodar midfielder Eduard Spertsyan, who has the same agent as Nick Pope in the form of CAA Stellar, it is believed that the Magpies are battling with Manchester City to sign the 23-year-old, who has also previously courted interest from Ajax, Feyenoord, Lyon and Inter Milan.

In his time at Krasnodar, Spertsyan has racked up 27 goals and 21 assists in 88 appearances for the Russian outfit, which is a hefty return from the middle of the park (Spertsyan statistics – Transfermarkt)

Former Ajax director Sven Mislintat previously compared Spertsyan to Manchester City star De Bruyne due to his exploits on the field, however, he couldn't get a deal over the line to bring the Armenia international to the Dutch giants due to the complex procedures involved in buying players from Russia at present. Spertsyan has also been called a "generational talent" in the Armenian media.

Therefore, Newcastle could land themselves a gem in the form of Spertsyan, who may add some ingenuity and a keen eye for goal from midfield, making this one to keep an eye on.

West Ham United are interested in a swoop to sign an experienced player, but a fresh report has revealed that they aren’t the only club who want him in the Premier League.

Who are West Ham linked with?

Since the summer, David Moyes has appeared keen to bolster his defensive ranks having been credited with an interest in Manchester United’s Harry Maguire and Fiorentina’s Martinez Quarta at centre-back, but there is also another area of the pitch he’s looking to target.

The Irons have reportedly recently sent scouts to watch Valencia midfielder Javi Guerra, but with Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal and Newcastle United also keeping close tabs, the boss may have to find an alternative should he fail to secure his services.

One player who he could turn his attention towards is Manchester City’s Kalvin Phillips who despite still having another five years remaining on his deal (Man City contracts), could be set to depart having made zero starts and just three substitute appearances in the top-flight this season (WhoScored – Phillips statistics).

Kalvin Phillips transfer update

According to The Sun, who have shared a transfer update on Phillips, West Ham and two other clubs, one in the top-flight and the other overseas, are plotting a swoop for the 27-year-old in January:

“Several clubs were interested in the summer, but the midfielder insisted he wanted to stay and fight for his place at City. Yet he is no nearer forcing his way in, and knows playing cameo roles for the rest of the season is likely to affect his England hopes.

"Newcastle, West Ham and Bayern Munich are all keen. And if City recoup close to the £42m he cost from Leeds two seasons ago, a deal could be done. They would also listen to loan offers – if the successful club covers his wages and gives a commitment to buy next summer.

"Phillips still has four-and-a-half years left on his £150,000-a-week contract, and City were resigned to paying a huge chunk of that to smooth an exit path. Yet City insiders claim the player is ready to accept around half that figure to get his career moving in the right direction again.”

What is Kalvin Phillips' style of play?

Being a defensive midfielder, Phillips is naturally stronger in that aspect of his game and he has excellent calmness and composure on the ball, where he’s currently recording a 90% pass success rate, and his versatility also reflects where his best qualities lie.

The Three Lions international has the ability to operate at the heart of the backline alongside three roles in the centre of the park (Transfermarkt – Phillips statistics), with some of his classic performances having previously seen him dubbed a “Rolls Royce” by journalist Josh Bunting, such is his intelligence and smoothness on the ball.

Phillips actually shares the same representative, CAA Stellar, as James Ward-Prowse (West Ham agents), so this existing connection that his management already have to the club could give the board a small advantage should they try to get a deal over the line in January.