90min

Bayern Munich contact Man City outcast as January alternative to Joao Palhinha

  • Bayern saw a late move for Palhinha collapse in the summer transfer window
  • German giants have made contact with Man City over midfielder Kalvin Phillips
  • West Ham, Newcastle, Aston Villa and Tottenham also monitoring the England international

By Jude Summerfield, Graeme Bailey

Bayern like Phillips but Palhinha remains their top target
Bayern like Phillips but Palhinha remains their top target / Richard Sellers/Allstar / Contributor / Rob Newell - CameraSport / Contributor
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Bayern Munich have made contact with Manchester City over the situation of midfielder Kalvin Phillips ahead of the January transfer window, 90min understands.

The Bundesliga champions chased Fulham star Joao Palhinha late in the summer but couldn't get a deal over the line before the Portugal international penned a new contract at Craven Cottage.

Palhinha remains Bayern's top target in defensive midfield and his fresh deal with the Cottagers has not put them off, but Thomas Tuchel's side are keeping their options open. 90min understands they are considering Phillips as a potential alternative and have reached out to his entourage to gauge his current status.

England international Phillips has started only two Premier League games since signing from Leeds, where he had a crucial role under influential boss Marcelo Bielsa.

Rodri and John Stones were utilised in front of Man City's defence towards the end of last season, while Mathues Nunes and Mateo Kovacic arrived during the transfer window and have been utilised more frequently than Phillips, who was included in Gareth Southgate's squad for the October international fixtures against Australia and Italy.

Kalvin Phillips
Phillips has struggled immensely for minutes at City / Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/GettyImages

The 27-year-old was told he could leave in the summer but decided to stay and fight for more minutes at City, where he is under contract until 2028.

A number of Premier League sides remain keen on Phillips. West Ham are still interested, while Newcastle, Aston Villa and Tottenham are monitoring the situation.

Bayern boss Tuchel is a known admirer of Phillips, having been left impressed by the midfielder's performances for Leeds. Liverpool had also considered a move before Ryan Gravenberch arrived late in the summer window.

The German giants are also facing interest from Man City in Germany international Joshua Kimmich. The 28-year-old's contract will soon enter its final 18 months and he is highly rated by Pep Guardiola, who sees him as one of the best midfielders in world football.

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