BBC Sport shares new detail on Man City loan demands for Kalvin Phillips amid West Ham United pursuit
Manchester City’s demand for a loan fee for Kalvin Phillips “is thought to be a stumbling block” in West Ham’s pursuit of the midfielder, according to BBC Sport.
The news site reported online (19 January) that Pep Guardiola’s side are willing to let Phillips leave, but feel that they are justified in asking for a loan fee since Phillips remains a member of the England national team.
City believe that he is likely to feature at this summer’s European Championships should he secure regular game time.
West Ham remain interested in Phillips, with David Moyes keen to strengthen his squad after losing Lucas Paqueta to a long-term injury, and face competition from a range of clubs including Newcastle and Juventus.
No agreement has been reached between City and any of the interested clubs at this point.
Justified
It is hard to argue with City’s stance that they feel as though a loan fee is justified for the 28-year-old. Phillips has made just ten appearances this season and is clearly not needed at the Etihad Stadium, but that doesn’t take away from the fact that he is a quality player and City will want to be compensated.
After all, last season’s treble-winners did hand over £45million for the former Leeds United man (BBC Sport, 4 July 2022), and will therefore want to see at least some financial return.
From West Ham and Moyes’ point of view, signing Phillips is an absolute no-brainer.
He has more than enough quality to play for the majority of the teams in England’s top flight and would likely feel rejuvenated under a fresh regime where he is playing regularly, which could see him make a return to his best form.
Phillips will know that he needs game time ahead of the summer and would likely be keen on the move, West Ham just now need to do what needs to be done, especially after losing star man Paqueta.
In other West Ham news, the stance of another Premier League player who has been linked with the club has been revealed.
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