Juventus are reportedly not prepared to finance the majority of Kalvin Phillips's wages, should the midfielder make the loan switch from Manchester City in January.
The 28-year-old has struggled for regular first-team minutes since moving to the treble-winning Citizens from Leeds United in the summer of 2022.
Phillips featured in only 12 Premier League matches for Pep Guardiola's side as they eventually cantered to the English crown in 2022-23, playing just 291 minutes in the competition.
The England international has not fared any better in terms of game time during the opening months of this season either, with the midfielder failing to get off the bench despite Rodri's absence for the loss at Aston Villa on Wednesday night.
According to The Sun, a potential stumbling block has emerged concerning Phillips's proposed switch to Juventus which could put the move in serious jeopardy.
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The Old Lady are said to be very keen to recruit the 31-time international as they aim to challenge for the Serie A title this campaign, with Massimiliano Allegri's currently second in the standings, just two points behind Inter Milan.
However, Juve are reportedly not willing to pay the majority of Phillips's substantial salary, and the Turin-based club are hoping that Man City will be generous in terms of the wage structure within the loan deal.
The ex-Leeds enforcer is said to be earning £150,000 per week on the blue side of Manchester after securing a £45m switch to the Premier League champions 18 months ago.
Juventus are not the only side touted with a fondness of the Englishman, with Bundesliga holders Bayern Munich also being linked with the midfielder in the past.
The Bavarian giants are no strangers to participating in some New Year business with the Citizens following Joao Cancelo's temporary move to the Allianz Arena for the second half of the 2022-23 term.
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It is also believed that Newcastle United are in the hunt for the services of Phillips, as Eddie Howe looks to bolster a Magpies squad which has been ravaged by injuries in recent months.
The North-East outfit have a host of first-team midfielders on the sidelines currently, including the likes of Sean Longstaff, Elliot Anderson, Sandro Tonali and Joe Willock.
With Euro 2024 fast approaching, it is understood that Phillips is very keen on a loan move for the remainder of the season in order to earn regular minutes and give himself a fighting chance of making Gareth Southgate's squad for a summer in Germany.
The 28-year-old is set to be an unused substitute once again as Man City travel to the humble surroundings of Kenilworth Road, where Guardiola's side will be looking to end their four-game winless streak against Luton Town in the Premier League on Sunday.
Carter White
