Tottenham to rival Juventus for £45m signing as Ange Postecoglou plans for AFCON in January

Kalvin Phillips has struggled to break into the City team since signing from Leeds, making three substitute appearances in the Premier League this term.

The English midfielder is looking to arrive at next year’s European Championship in-form and there are reports that Tottenham and West Ham have been looking to lure to London.

Tottenham will lose two of their starting players for the AFCON, Yves Bissouma and Pape Matar Sarr for at least two weeks and could be a month if their countries are to reach the final of the competition to be staged in the Cote D’Voire.

Manager Ange Postecoglou is keeping an eye on the transfer market as well as well as the returning Rodrigo Bentancur as possble replacements.

Philips, after starting for England in the 3-1 win against Italy, said: “I know that I need to be playing games and competing every weekend.

“I’m going to have to make a decision on [my future] over the next months.”

Despite a lack of game time at club level since his £45 move in July 2022, the 27-year-old has retained the faith of England manager Gareth Southgate.

Spurs have had a bright start to the season where they are top of the Premier League having won seven and drawn two including wins against Manchester United and Liverpool and grabbing a draw against rivals Arsenal at the Emirates.