On the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke reported that Everton are actively pursuing a loan move for Kalvin Phillips to replace Amadou Onana, who recently joined Aston Villa for £50 million.
Phillips, 28, is seeking a move away from Manchester City this summer as he has no future with the club.
Despite City’s willingness to let him go, Everton would struggle to meet the asking price for a permanent transfer.
Consequently, a loan move to Goodison Park is becoming increasingly likely as the transfer deadline on August 31 approaches.
Phillips joined Manchester City from Leeds in 2022 for £42 million but has made only 31 appearances for the club, with 17 of those being from the bench.
His disappointing loan spell at West Ham last season, where he started only three games, further diminished his role at City.
Although he participated in City’s pre-season preparations, the Premier League champions are now keen to move him on.
Sources suggest Phillips believes a permanent transfer would benefit all parties by allowing him to settle and demonstrate his abilities at a new club.
However, due to Everton’s financial constraints, they are focusing on securing a loan deal to strengthen their squad before the new season begins.
Football Insider revealed that Everton made initial contact about signing Phillips on July 17, but no formal offer has yet been made.
Despite this, Everton remain in the lead over other interested parties, including Aston Villa. Phillips is expected to make a move before the transfer window closes.
