SEAN DYCHE is one of three managers to ask about taking Kalvin Phillips on loan – but Manchester City are refusing to do business.
New Everton chief Dyche saw Phillips as the ideal midfield general to spearhead their survival fight, and hoped his lack of game time at the Etihad meant a deal could be struck.
Yet despite a nightmare first few months at Man City – injuries and fitness struggles have limited him to one start and seven cameos off the bench – Pep Guardiola said no-go.
Rodri has nailed down the defensive midfield role and has made more starts than anyone at the club.
But Guardiola believes Phillips, a £42million summer buy from Leeds, will have an important part to play in a hectic schedule when the Champions League returns.
Leeds also asked about taking him back to Elland Road for the rest of the season, as did West Ham, who lost out to City when he moved in August.
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Phillips is yet to start a Premier League game for City and has not registered a goal contribution in any of his eight appearances.
After the World Cup, Guardiola accused the England midfielder of returning to the club overweight.
He said: “He’s not injured – he arrived overweight.
“I don’t know [why]. He didn’t arrive in the condition to do training sessions and to play.”
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But less than a week later, the Spanish coach insisted Phillips was back in shape.
Guardiola said: “He has the perfect body now – so sexy. We will see for the weekend.
“He has spent the first part of the season out with surgery to arrive for the World Cup – and did everything to get to the World Cup.
“It’s not just about just being fit you also have to understand what we want to do, the movements etc.
“So that means, as quick as possible, because Rodri cannot play all the games, so as quick as possible he he will play.
“But I’m happy that yesterday for example Kalvin trained really well and sooner or later he will play.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
