Juventus have reportedly withdrawn from the race to sign Kalvin Phillips due to the potential cost of a loan deal. The Italians are after a midfielder with Nicolo Fagioli and Paul Pogba suspended due to respective betting and doping bans.
Juventus are not in a position to afford a permanent deal and will welcome back Fagioli later this year anyway. The Sun says Manchester City are likely to demand a loan fee for Phillips in January, perhaps as much as £5m, ahead of a potential sale in the summer.
Juventus were hoping to convince City to pay most of the player’s wages but seemingly to no avail. READ MORE: Huddersfield boss gives glowing verdict on Guardiola READ MORE: Pep Guardiola issues injury update on four players The Blues are reportedly set to ask any potential suitor to agree to a £40m summer obligatory transfer.
The report puts Newcastle as frontrunners for Phillips, who have also lost Sandro Tonali for a betting ban. Eddie Howe has frequently outlined how Financial Fair Play will restrict his club’s spending this window, and officials are cautious of overpaying for a loan.