Pundit: West Ham United must spend £50m on Kalvin Phillips to replace Declan Rice, Flynn Downes ‘not ready’ to step up
We’re delighted to welcome former West Ham United striker Frank McAvennie as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at the London Stadium…
Frank McAvennie has urged West Ham to splash £50m on Kalvin Phillips to replace Declan Rice this summer because Flynn Downes isn’t ready to step up.
The skipper is expected to leave in a deal worth up to £100m at the end of the season with Arsenal considered as the frontrunners for his signature, leaving the Hammers with a gaping hole in their midfield.
Downes was signed last summer from Swansea and has been a bit-part player this season despite being considered to have a bright future, but McAvennie doesn’t think he’s ready to step up to replace Rice just yet and feels the club must splash the cash to ensure he is replaced properly.
“They’ve got to get somebody in midfield because they’re not good enough,” he told West Ham Zone.
“The young boys coming in aren’t good enough. They’re not good enough yet.
“The boy Downes, great ability, but he’s not ready yet. Not ready to take that spot yet.
“You need someone in there and Kalvin Phillips would be the ideal replacement for me, I’ve said that all along. Good bit of business to sell Declan for £100m and sign him for £40/50m.”
Phillips has been linked with an exit away from Manchester City after limited game time since his move from Leeds last summer, with West Ham previously showing an interest with a £50m bid in the past.