TOTTENHAM have emerged as the latest rivals to Newcastle United in the battle to sign Manchester City outcast Kalvin Phillips.

Phillips was an unused substitute at the weekend as Oscar Bobb’s stoppage-time winner earned City a dramatic 3-2 win at St James’ Park.

The midfielder has not made a single Premier League start this season and is keen to leave the Etihad Stadium on loan this month in an attempt to safeguard his place in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for this summer’s Euros in Germany.

With Joe Willock, Elliot Anderson and Joelinton all currently nursing long-term injuries, and Sandro Tonali suspended until the early weeks of next season, Newcastle desperately need to reinforce their midfield this month.

Phillips is a long-standing target, but the Manchester City hierarchy are refusing to lower their demands for a £7m loan fee and are also keen to secure an agreement for a guaranteed permanent transfer in the summer.

Newcastle’s recruitment team are reluctant to agree to either of those demands, with both Darren Eales and Eddie Howe having admitted that there is no guarantee the club will do any January business in the last few days.

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The uncertainty over Phillips has encouraged other clubs to make advances of their own, and while the 28-year-old’s preference for remaining in England is likely to scupper any prospect of a switch to Serie A side Juventus, Tottenham’s growing interest could be a game changer.

Spurs officials are understood to have flagged up their potential interest over the weekend, with last week’s loan departure of Eric Dier having opened up a place on the North London club’s squad list and also created some budgetary wriggle room.

Phillips is one of a number of options being considered by the hierarchy at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with some senior figures understood to be championing his cause.

Howe admitted that Newcastle’s squad remains extremely stretched in the wake of Saturday’s defeat, but was not able to offer any assurances about this month’s transfer business.

“Will there be anyone coming in? I don’t know, is the honest answer,” said the Magpies boss. “I’ve got no idea as we sit here now. Obviously, it would be my intention to try, but let’s wait and see.”

Newcastle’s midfield situation could get worse when the Magpies return to action after a ten-day break at the end of this month.

Bruno Guimaraes picked up his ninth Premier League booking of the season in Saturday’s loss to Manchester City, and will incur an automatic two-match ban if he receives a tenth yellow card in any of the club’s next 11 league games.

“The last thing we need, to be honest at this moment in time, is to lose anyone through suspension,” said Howe, who has confirmed his side will be remaining in the UK during this week’s break rather than heading to the Middle East as they did last season. “But we’ll have to cross that bridge when it comes.”