Newcastle would make a ‘huge statement’ to the rest of the Premier League by signing Kalvin Phillips, Pete O’Rourke has told GiveMeSport. 

The lowdown

A report from 90min last week revealed that the Magpies were one of the clubs ‘keeping a close eye’ on the midfielder’s situation at Leeds, along with Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea.

Leeds apparently held talks with Phillips’ representatives about a new contract in 2021 but failed to agree terms, and conversations have yet to resume.

The England international, who last signed a new deal in 2019, is under contract for another two-and-a-half years, and Transfermarkt value the 26-year-old at £36m.

The latest

O’Rourke has said the credentials that Phillips possesses would make him a blockbuster signing for Newcastle.

The journalist told GiveMeSport: “Signing somebody like a Kalvin Phillips, an England international, a top Premier League player, would be a huge statement from Newcastle.”

The verdict

This would be a doubly significant signing for Eddie Howe’s side. Not only would they fend off competition from some of Europe’s biggest clubs, they would be getting their hands on a top-drawer midfielder in Phillips.

The 26-year-old demonstrated his class at last summer’s European Championship, starting every game as England made it all the way to the final. The Guardian included him in their official team of the tournament alongside Pedri and Jorginho in midfield.

Phillips has been nicknamed ‘The Yorkshire Pirlo’ and the Italian legend himself has described the Leeds player as a ‘rock’ in midfield. That’s quite a reference to have on your CV, and he would be quite a player for Newcastle to add to their squad.

As O’Rourke says, it would represent a significant statement if the Magpies were to sign such a highly-regarded player from a team who are close to them in the Premier League table.

In other news, Newcastle will soon ‘be calling’ about this potential deal