Manchester City reportedly want to include a clause in any deal involving Kalvin Phillips as talks begin with Juventus.
Since signing for City last season in a deal worth a reported £42 million from Leeds United, Phillips has failed to impress.
So far this season, the midfielder has only managed nine appearances across all competitions, scoring once.
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Ahead of the January transfer window, Phillips’ future has been thrown up into the air with Serie A giants Juventus said to be interested.
Now, transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano has claimed that talks between the clubs have begun and City are looking to include a mandatory buy clause.
Romano wrote on social media: “Understand Juventus have now opened talks with Manchester City to discuss Kalvin Phillips deal.
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“Negotiations starting between clubs as Kalvin is said to be open to the move.”
He added: “Juventus plan to offer loan with buy option clause. Man City want it to be mandatory. Talks on.”
Last week, City boss Pep Guardiola admitted that Phillips does not suit his plans.
He said: “I don't know what's going to happen [in January]. I feel so sorry for my decision for him. I've said that many times. He doesn't deserve what has happened to him and I'm so sorry.
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“The only thing I can say about him is I am asking for good personalities and characters and he is a perfect example. And after that I have to give him something and I didn't do that.”
Guardiola added: “It's just because I visualise some things and visualise the team and things - and I struggle to see him. I'm not very pleased [with myself] and I am so sorry for him. I will not say that [to him] because it is a business and I have to be a professional.
“But if one guy behaves [poorly], I don't care. But the way he behaves with the team-mates and everyone, I care. So that's why hopefully it can turn around. And I've said many times, if it comes to January and he stays, I'm more than pleased because he trains really good and he's a lovely guy and character.”
Featured Image Credit: GettyTopics: Kalvin Phillips, Manchester City, Juventus, Fabrizio Romano, Football