Liverpool legend John Barnes has suggested his former club make a move for flop this summer, saying it is a deal that would suit all parties.
The England midfielder signed for City from Leeds last summer for £42m on a massive six-year deal but has made no impact at all.
He has struggled for fitness at times, but has also failed to earn the trust of and not started a single or Champions League game so far this season, coming off the bench just eight times in the former and three in the latter.
His future at the Etihad is unclear, with Guardiola saying last month: ‘Kalvin still needs a bit of rhythm in short spaces.
‘We miss the best of Kalvin, it’s a reason why he doesn’t have a lot of minutes.’
Barnes feels Man City should cut their losses and let him go, with Liverpool the ideal club to snap him up as the former Reds winner feels his style of play would go down well at Anfield.
‘The way Liverpool play would suit Phillips equally to the way he suits City,’ Barnes told . ‘He’s not playing at City for the moment but that doesn’t make him a bad footballer.
‘He’s played for and profile wise he is the kind of player Liverpool are looking for. I think it would be a good move for both parties.’
Liverpool are likely to revamp their midfield this summer with at least two signings, but Barnes has praise for 22-year-old Curtis Jones who he clearly thinks should still get chances to impress in the first team next season.
‘Curtis is comfortable on the ball and he travels well with the ball,’ said Barnes. ‘Whilst Curtis tends to travel more with the ball, Thiago is now more of a passer.
‘He works hard and he’s been in the first team for three or four years so he understands the way Klopp wants to play.
‘He’s done well in the last three or four games alongside [Cody] Gakpo so he’s one that I’m pleased with.
‘He’s a local boy, from the academy who has come in for some stick but he’s played well. He’s young, and the better the team players the better he plays.
‘What Curtis Jones has done hasn’t surprised me. He may not be the first name on the team sheet but we know what he can do when called upon.’
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