Kevin Phillips is 'surprised' Manchester City have rejected a loan approach from Newcastle United for Cole Palmer.
The City academy graduate is the latest youth product to come through the system at the Etihad and has been impressive under Pep Guardiola this season.
While the 19-year-old has made his Premier League debut this season, the England youth international is still some way of being a regular starter for City.
READ MORE: The Steve Bruce festive Zoom blast and the two musts for Newcastle United in 2022
According to The Athletic, City rejected a loan bid from Eddie Howe's side to take Palmer on loan for the remainder of the season.
The revelation shocked former Sunderland striker Phillips, but believes Newcastle are looking in the right place for signings.
“They need another striker, 100 per cent," Phillips told Football Insider.
“To have any chance of staying up you need to score goals. I know Callum Wilson is a class player but he is injury prone. If they lose him, who is going to step up and score goals? It is a no-brainer to bring in a striker.
“They need two centre-halves and a midfielder as well. A goalscorer is needed if they have any chance of staying up. Even playing someone alongside Callum Wilson would make sense.
