Gabriel Agbonlahor has encouraged Kalvin Phillips to join Everton.
Speaking to Football Insider, the pundit has urged Phillips to leave Manchester City if he wants a place in the England squad for the Euro 2024 tournament
The midfielder joined Man City in a £45 million deal last summer but has since struggled to force his way into the starting line-up, making only 15 appearances in the Premier League.
While Phillips has continued to retain his place in the England team, there is growing pressure for him to be dropped due to his lack of game time.
With the 27-year-old eager to be on the plane next summer, his recent comments have suggested he could be considering an early exit from the Etihad Stadium.
Speaking to Channel 4 during the international break, Phillips had said: “I want to play as much football as possible. I know in the last year and half I haven’t done that. It’s something I’m going to have to think about. Hopefully my chance does come.”
Everton and West Ham are two clubs that have been linked with a move for Phillips recently, and Agbonlahor has now told the former Leeds United man to join either side in order to keep his place with the Three Lions.
“He’s not got a future at Man City, that’s for sure,” he told Football Insider.
“Pep Guardiola didn’t even start him against Arsenal with Rodri out suspended. He’ll be saying ‘why did you buy me if I’m not playing these games?’ If he wasn’t sure about his future before that game, he knows now.
“If I’m him, I want to play football. He’s a young lad with a lot of years left.
“Join Everton or West Ham and just play football, because otherwise you are going to affect your England chances.”
An exciting signing
Kalvin Phillips is likely to leave on loan in January rather than a permanent departure, which could be perfect for Everton.
The England international could really benefit for a spell with a club lower down the table, where he could be the main man and there is much less pressure on him to perform.
While his hefty wages could be a concern, taking a risk on the out-of-form midfielder is surely worth taking given his previous heroics at Elland Road.
However, there will be plenty of competition for his signature, with the likes of Juventus and Bayern Munich also linked.
