Everton are not in the race to sign Man City star in January – Report | OneFootball

Everton Distance Themselves From Kalvin Phillips Links As January Plans Take Shape

Credit goes to TeamTalk for outlining Everton’s internal stance on potential midfield reinforcements, with fresh clarity emerging around Manchester City’s Kalvin Phillips and rising star Harrison Armstrong.

No Pursuit Of Phillips Despite External Claims

Reports elsewhere hinted at the possibility of David Moyes reuniting with Kalvin Phillips, who has featured just once for Manchester City this season. However, TeamTalk sources state firmly that “Everton do not view Phillips as a target, despite Moyes signing him on loan for former club West Ham.”

Even if there was interest, the logistics make a deal unworkable. “It is impossible, as they have already signed Jack Grealish on loan from City this season, and rules prohibit signing two players on loan from the same Premier League club.” That line alone puts a sizeable full stop on any speculation.

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Midfield depth is an understandable concern. Idrissa Gana Gueye, James Garner and Tim Iroegbunam have “performed well this season” but Gueye’s January absence at AFCON, and Merlin Rohl’s injury record, leaves Moyes one problem short of a crisis.

Internal Solution In Harrison Armstrong

Instead of spending, Everton could turn to their own. “The Toffees’ 18-year-old midfielder Harrison Armstrong, who is currently on loan with Preston North End, could make an early return to Merseyside.”

Moyes ensured the club retained a recall clause “in the first two weeks of January” should the need arise. Sources insist Everton staff believe Armstrong “is destined to become a top-class player and a vital cog in the Toffees’ machine in the future.”

That is a bold internal endorsement, and Preston supporters are already on the same page, having heaped praise on his recent display in a “2-0 victory over Charlton Athletic.”

Armstrong is content at Preston and “Everton are not currently planning to recall him” but circumstances may dictate otherwise.

January Priorities Stretch Beyond Midfield

Midfield may be under scrutiny, but Moyes’ gaze is wider. TeamTalk report that “the addition of a right-back and left-back in January are also being explored, and considered more pressing areas,” while the club will also “assess whether they feel they need to bring in a new striker.”

With Everton sitting eighth after “a dramatic 2-1 win over Crystal Palace,” just three points from the Champions League places, there is no desperation in sight, only strategic prudence.

The Friedkin Group are ready to back their manager, and for once, Everton operate from a position of calm stability rather than reactive firefighting.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

As an Everton fan, this is the kind of update that lets you breathe. For once we are not being linked with every spare midfielder in England out of panic. We are hearing structure, clarity and planning. Kalvin Phillips? He was a nice idea years ago, but taking on another expensive rehab project while already covering for AFCON absentees never made much sense.

The best part is the confidence around Harrison Armstrong. When was the last time you heard someone inside the club say a young player was “destined to become a top-class player” without it sounding like lip service? If Moyes is genuinely prepared to use him rather than park him on the bench, that is the type of internal promotion fans will get behind. Better that than a short-term loan clogging up the system.

Full-backs being prioritised is music to the ears. That has been a weakness for years. And the idea of possibly adding another striker feels like ambition, not desperation.

This is the first January in ages where it feels like Everton are building, not firefighting. Long may that continue.