“That’s what I want to do. I have agreed with Gareth on that. Obviously it’s massive [to start]. As a football player especially me, I’m very competitive. But I want to play football, I’m a footballer, I want to play as much football as possible.
“Over the last year and a half I haven’t been able to do to that. Due to injuries and etcetera. But it’s something that I’m going to have to think about and hopefully my chance does come. But if it doesn’t then I’ve got to make a couple of decisions as well.”
Phillips’ chances of being a regular starter could come with Newcastle, who are also eyeing a £20million move for Sao Paulo centre-back Lucas Beraldo. They will face competition from the likes of Liverpool, West Ham and Brentford for the Brazilian youth international, however.
