Phillips’ cheer catches eye, and Tino sick

TOON loan target embraces City teammates after late SJP winner

NEWCASTLE United loan target Kalvin Phillips embraced Manchester City’s win when racing on to the field at the final whistle after a last-gasp win for the visitors.

After a transfer window that has been dominated by Newcastle’s so far unsuccessful pursuit of the England international, there are suggestions that wage demands remain the issue, not to mention a hefty loan fee. There is also the matter of what happens after the loan and whether a lucrative longterm deal is on the table because Phillips would be one of the highest-paid players at Benton if the champions insist on an obligation.

City want the £42million back that they paid Leeds for his services on the back of a wonderful Euro 2020 campaign.

Despite not venturing beyond the sidelines during a pulsating Premier League affair, Phillips ran on to the field to celebrate the win in enthusiastic manner. Of course, he is a Man City player and he’s more than entitled to do that with his current employers.

As he left the field he offered a high five to players and staff. Pep Guardiola had described him as “our player” just 24 hours before the game. It remains to be seen if Newcastle get their man but there was a hint that he’s happy at City.

TINO Livramento absence merely adds to Newcastle’s woes

After going into the game on the back of news that Joelinton will be missing for six weeks, the last thing Howe needed was another absentee. But that’s what he got as Livramento reported sick on the morning of the match.

Livramento may have offered a solution to replacing the tiring Kieran Trippier. But after the match, Howe told reporters: “That was illness today.”

Newcastle slump to 10th spot in the Premier League and it could get worse before Magpies kick a ball next.

Newcastle sit in 10th place in the top-flight. It could get worse before Howe’s team plays again away to Aston Villa too.

For because of the split in the fixture list, 11th placed Wolverhampton Wanderers could even overtake them and nip into the top 10 if they beat Brighton on January 22.

However, after six defeats from seven in the Premier League that’s hardly surprising.