Sean Dyche aims high by approaching Man City with late Everton loan proposal for faltering summer signing
Everton have made an approach to Manchester City to sign one of their own recent arrivals under the orders of Sean Dyche, according to a report.
Dyche was officially confirmed as Everton’s new manager on Monday. Time is ticking for him to be able to strengthen the squad he has inherited. Everton, who sacked Frank Lampard on January 23, are yet to make any new signings this month.
But according to The Sun, they have now made a move for someone who is yet to make an impression at Man City but still has a decent reputation.
The player in question is Kalvin Phillips, who left Leeds United in the summer but has been unable to get going with Man City due to injury setbacks.
Phillips has featured just three times in the Premier League for Pep Guardiola’s side since his arrival, always as a substitute. Therefore, Dyche has reportedly told Everton to make a loan offer for him, after Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher proved to be out of reach.
The 51-year-old has previously admitted to wanting Phillips at his former club Burnley. They could not pull off a deal, so he is trying again now he is backed by Everton.
According to the report, though, Man City’s response has not been positive. Guardiola will still be counting on Phillips in the second half of the season now he is getting back in shape.
The England international has also been of interest to West Ham, as well as his former club Leeds. Man City are maintaining the same stance for any interested party, though.
Kalvin Phillips to fight for place at Man City
Therefore, Phillips should get the chance to complete a first full season with Man City. He is under contract at the Etihad Stadium until 2028.
Guardiola is welcoming another defensive midfielder to the club in the shape of Maximo Perrone this winter. Furthermore, Rodri remains his undisputed first choice in the holding midfield role.
Hence, Phillips faces a fight for his place with Man City. However, anyone thinking they can take him away from there might be premature with their optimism.
If Dyche wants to strengthen Everton’s midfield still, he will have to look elsewhere – and quickly.
Leeds, meanwhile, won’t be too concerned about not getting their academy product back. After all, they have brought in Weston McKennie from Juventus as a brand new midfield recruit.
West Ham, for their part, wanted Phillips before he joined Man City. For them, he will remain a case of one that got away, rather than one they can get now.
Now, it is over to the 27-year-old to prove he belongs at a club of Man City’s stature. They are still in three competitions – the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League – so he will be hoping some opportunities come his way.
