Manchester City receive a Kalvin Phillips ‘enquiry’ as Pep Guardiola faces a decision

Everton have reportedly made an inquiry into out-of-favour Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips.

The 28-year-old spent the second half of the season on loan at West Ham but has struggled to rediscover his form. He made just eight appearances for then manager David Moyes and his future at the Etihad remains uncertain.

Phillips endured a nightmare spell at City after managing just 10 appearances for Pep Guardiola’s side in the first half of the campaign. After missing his chance during three games when Rodri was suspended, the City boss admitted he struggled to see Phillips in the City team.

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Interest from the Toffees has since surfaced in January, but their relegation battle has put them at a disadvantage against West Ham. It has also been suggested that Leeds United wanted to bring him back to Elland Road, but that is unlikely after failing to gain promotion to the Premier League.

According to the Daily Mail, Sean Dyche is focusing on rebuilding the midfield with Andre Gomes set to leave Merseyside this summer, while Dele Alli’s future is still unclear. That said, a number of inquiries have been made to clubs and Phillips is said to have been one of them.

Elsewhere, Portsmouth are confident of bringing back Alex Robertson on loan. The 21-year-old spent last season at Fratton Park with the newly-promoted Championship side, making 27 appearances in all competitions.

He was a key figure in Portsmouth’s midfield until a hamstring injury cut short his campaign. Although the club would like to bring him back for a second consecutive spell, Australian news outlet FTBL claim that Robertson is also wanted by Everton and several unnamed Championship and Premier League clubs.

Asked if Pompey could secure another loan for him, boss John Mousinho told The Portsmouth News: “I think so (Pompey could give Manchester City what they want from a loan). From our point of view, we have put ourselves in the best possible position, there is nothing more we can do about it.”

Although it remains to be seen whether Robertson will be part of City’s pre-season plans. “For Alex and Man City it will probably be one where we wait until the middle to the end of pre-season to see what their intentions are with Alex and then we will go from there,” Mousinho added. “It wouldn’t surprise me hugely if Alex is part of their first-team plans in pre-season and it’s a decision they make later.”