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Newcastle are plotting ambitious moves for Leeds midfielder Kalvin Phillips and a Chelsea star in the summer, according to a report.
Phillips could be available for a reduced fee if Leeds are relegated from the Premier League this season. The Whites sit in 16th place after 28 games, just two points off the bottom three.
England international Phillips has long been linked with a move away from Elland Road. Manchester United and Liverpool have previously been put in the mix for his signature.
And West Ham made a £50m bid for the enforcer in January, according to Sky Sports. That would have been a record transfer for the Hammers, but Leeds were not willing to sell.
Phillips is also unwilling to leave his boyhood club. However, that could change if Leeds suffer relegation to the Championship.
According to the Daily Mail, Newcastle are preparing to test Leeds’ resolve with a big-money offer later this year.
Aston Villa are planning a bid of their own, which could lead to an exciting transfer race.
Kalvin Phillips may strengthen Newcastle spine
Newcastle want to strengthen the spine of their first team and capturing Phillips would be an ideal solution.
The 26-year-old could form a solid midfield partnership with January arrival Bruno Guimaraes, too.
Phillips is not the only big name in Newcastle’s sights. The Mail state they are also looking into the possibility of signing Chelsea’s Antonio Rudiger.
The centre-back may be available on a free transfer this summer as his contract is set to expire.
Chelsea are unable to agree fresh terms with players following sanctions on owner Roman Abramovich. As such, there is little standing in the way of a Rudiger exit.
Newcastle have reportedly ‘registered their interest’ in the German, although they know he will likely want a more high profile move.
Newcastle finalise mid-season transfer
Meanwhile, Newcastle have officially announced the completion of a mid-season loan deal for a 2020 signing who is still waiting for his first Magpies appearance.
The club today announced Rodrigo Vilca has been loaned out to Universitario de Deportes in Peru.
That name may not ring any bells with some readers with the 23-year-old playmaker yet to make a single first-team appearance for Newcastle.
Rodrigo Vilca was signed from Deportivo Municipal for an undisclosed fee in 2020. Vilca slotted into the club’s Under-23s before moving out on loan to Doncaster Rovers for the first half of the current campaign.
The Peruvian bagged two goals and three assists for the League One strugglers before returning to St. James’ Park in January.
However, the club have now officially announced he has moved back to Peru with Universitario de Deportes for the remainder of the calendar year. That will then see him return next January.
By coincidence, the move crossed the line on Vilca’s birthday of March 12.
READ MORE: ‘Scary’ – Italian source names four superb transfer targets at top of Newcastle summer wishlist
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