Crystal Palace's next transfer move will deliver huge blow for Everton and West Ham

Crystal Palace appear to have suddenly become the frontrunners in landing a deal for wantaway Manchester City star Kalvin Phillips, despite reports that Newcastle United were on the verge of completing a deal for the midfielder.

The Shields Gazette reports that the Eagles are now the 'most likely destination' for the former Leeds United man, who is desperate for game time ahead of the summer's Euro 2024 campaign with England. Fellow top-flight clubs Everton and West Ham had also been linked with a move for Phillips, alongside Italian giants Juventus.

Manchester City forked out a huge £45 million for the star in July 2022 but Pep Guardiola never fully included Phillips in his plans and the player has made a meagre four Premier League appearances this term. The 28-year-old has been an unused sub for the Champions' last nine league fixtures.

Manchester City are believed to be looking to tie up a £7 million loan deal for Phillips with an obligation to turn that into a permanent transfer this summer. Those financial demands are believed to have forced the Magpies to change their stance on the move.

Newcastle United currently have a lengthy injury list with midfielder Joelinton the latest to enter the treatment room. The Brazilian could be out for the rest of the season if requiring surgery on a thigh injury, leaving Howe scraping the barrel. Crystal Palace also have injury concerns with Cheick Doucoure sidelined and Phillips is viewed as a potential candidate to fill that slot.

Asked about Phillips’ situation at City, manager Pep Guardiola said earlier this month: “The transfer market, I said many times, I don’t know. Txiki [Begiristain] is there and what is going to happen will happen. I’m not going to anticipate anything here because I don’t know the desires of the players. Some of them I know and some I don’t know.”