Matthew Chadder

Mon 25 December 2023 17:10, UK

Tottenham are keen on a move for Kalvin Phillips in January with a view to him being a perfect midfield partner for James Maddison, sources have told Tottenham News.

Spurs’ midfield looks set to be short of options in January, with Maddison and Rodrigo Bentancur both sidelined with injuries, while Pape Matar Sarr and Yves Bissouma are both likely to be competing at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Tottenham News was recently told by a recruitment source close to N17 that should the North London side enter the market for a midfielder to address this lack of depth, Phillips of Manchester City would be the club’s number one priority.

The England international has played just four times in the Premier League this season and is ready to leave Eastlands in search of more regular first-team football.

He has endured a miserable spell at the Etihad Stadium since his £42million switch from Leeds United in the summer of 2022, and reports have suggested that Phillips could now be on the move in January (The Guardian, 21 December).

Juventus are one of a few potential suitors for the midfielder, but Tottenham News recently revealed it has been mooted that those around Phillips are advising him against a move to the Serie A.

A recruitment source with links to Spurs has told Tottenham News that the club view the 28-year-old as the perfect player to complement Maddison in midfield. It is believed that his running ability and knack of winning the ball back could pair perfectly with Maddison’s creativity.

Phillips would act as the ball-winner who could then feed possession to Maddison in areas further forward, where the former Leicester man would look to hurt the opposition.

With Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg’s Tottenham future in doubt (The Mirror), Phillips’ arrival could come at the perfect time for Ange Postecoglou.

In other Tottenham news, one recent decision made by Daniel Levy could still pay dividends after an “absolutely wild” development in north London.