Newcastle eye up ambitious transfer move for England duo to freshen up midfield

NEWCASTLE are lining up a double swoop for England internationals Kalvin Phillips and Conor Gallagher, according to reports.

Eddie Howe is looking to bolster his squad as he prepares for the club’s first season back in the Champions League for 20 years.

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AC Milan’s Sandro Tonali is set to join the likes of Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton in the Toon’s midfield.

But they are still looking for further strength in depth in the middle of the park.

And according to The Telegraph, loan moves are being considered for both Phillips and Gallagher.

Phillips, 27, who has 27 England caps to his name, joined Manchester City for £45million last summer but started just four games in all competitions across their Treble-winning campaign.

And while Ilkay Gundogan has now left the club, Mateo Kovacic has already taken his place.

Man City could struggle to secure a permanent sale given Phillips’ lack of football over the past year.

But a loan deal could be worked out with Newcastle.

And he could be joined on Tyneside by Gallagher – who may be shown the exit door at Stamford Bridge.

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The England midfielder, 23, who has seven international caps to his name, struggled like most of the Chelsea squad during the 2022/23 campaign.

Opportunities could free up in midfield following the departures of N’Golo Kante, Mateo Kovacic and Ruben Loftus-Cheek.

But it is more likely new boss Mauricio Pochettino will attempt to farm him out on loan as he bids to trim down his squad ahead of the new season.

And Newcastle are being linked with a loan move for the hard-working Chelsea youth product.

The Magpies’ interest in Phillips and Gallagher comes as discussions with Southampton over a deal for right-back Tino Livramento continue to stall.

Newcastle submitted a £21m bid for the 20-year-old defender, but Saints are holding out for a sum in excess of £30m.

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