18 October 2023 , 13:33
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Kalvin Phillips has admitted he will consider his future at Manchester City after Gareth Southgate warned him he is at risk of losing his England place, with Bayern Munich reportedly eyeing the ex-Leeds man.
The midfielder has failed to break into Pep Guardiola's plans since joining City from Leeds last summer. He has played just 70 minutes of Premier League football this season, while his only start for the club this term came in the Carabao Cup defeat to Newcastle.
Phillips is behind Rodri in the pecking order, but even during the Spaniard's suspension, he has failed to convince Guardiola to hand him game-time. It is a stark contrast to his fortunes on international duty, with Phillips a key player for England boss Souhtgate.
He started the Three Lions' win over Italy on Tuesday night, which secured their qualification for Euro 2024. And the 27-year-old has now conceded that he may have to leave the Etihad Stadium in search of game-time if he is to continue featuring for his country.
"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. He [Southgate] just says that for me to keep my spot I have to be playing games," he said.
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"That's what I want to do. I have agreed with Gareth on that. Obviously it's massive [to start]. As a football player especially me, I'm very competitive. But I want to play football, I'm a footballer, I want to play as much football as possible.
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Gareth Southgate has told Kalvin Phillips he needs to play more if he is to keep his England place (Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)"Over the last year and a half I haven't been able to do to that. Due to injuries and ecetera. But it's something that I'm going to have to think about and hopefully my chance does come. But if it doesn't then I've got make a couple of decisions as well."
Phillips' admission that he is thinking about leaving City comes after The Sun reported that Bayern Munich are lining up a move for him. The Bundesliga giants are said to be 'closely monitoring' his situation at City.
They are likely to make a move either in the January transfer window or next summer. Boss Thomas Tuchel has added him to his shortlist as he looks to strengthen his options in midfield.
The German champions will look to replicate the deal that saw them take Joao Cancelo on loan from City last January. Such a move would appeal to all parties, with City having already told Phillips they are willing to let him depart on loan.
He could still look to fight for his place at City, though his latest comments cloud that option in doubt. If he did move to Bayern, Phillips would find a friendly face in England captain Harry Kane, who moved to the Allianz Arena in the summer.