Paul Brown is skeptical that Everton would be able to recruit midfielder Kalvin Phillips from Manchester City in January.

The former Daily Star journalist told GiveMeSport on Sunday (22 October) that it’s hard to believe the England international would forego Champions League play and the potential to win trophies with the Citizens in exchange for a move to Goodison Park.

He also stated that the 27-year-old would play every week for the Toffees, but that it would be a real long shot to convince him to move to Merseyside.

I just find it hard to believe that Kalvin Phillips would want to give up Champions League football and the chance to win what could be a bucket load of trophies again this season with Manchester City for Everton, Brown went on to say.

Unfortunately, they cannot provide him with the same opportunities.At City, Kalvin Phillips does not see much action. That is something I am aware of. That can be aggravating. And, obviously, Everton is not far from where he lives in the world.

Obviously, it’s a club where he’d play every week, but I think it’s a long shot to get him in as much as I’d like to see it happen.I have my doubts.

Due to a variety of considerations surrounding the move, it appears unlikely that Everton will be able to complete a deal for Phillips in January.

First and foremost, the midfielder appears to be determined to battle for his spot with Man City, and the Toffees are unlikely to be able to afford the financial implications of any potential deal.

The Englishman would undoubtedly upgrade the Toffees’ squad and play regular games, but he would almost certainly want to compete in Europe.

A lot will depend on the Citizens’ plans for him and how much they are willing to let him leave for if they decide to let him go.

There is going to be a lot of interest in signing him, so it just feels like it’s not a transfer option for the Blues right now owing to their current predicament.