Kalvin Phillips transfer update emerges as West Ham United now in Newcastle fight
West Ham could be set for a “straight shootout” with Newcastle United for the signing of Manchester City’s Kalvin Phillips, according to Ryan Taylor.
The Mirror journalist reported [18 January] that West Ham are exploring a loan deal for the out-of-favour midfielder, with Newcastle also interested in the absence of Sandro Tonali and Joelinton.
It is understood that Crystal Palace, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are all keeping tabs on the 28-year-old. However, a transfer move within England looks likely.
Bolstering the midfield
Following the exit of Declan Rice last summer for a fee of £105million, West Ham did extremely well in spending the subsequent money well.
There is no doubt that Edson Alvarez has been a great addition to David Moyes’ midfield in the absence of Rice, partnering Tomas Soucek in the middle of the park.
However, with Moyes’ midfield usually being made up of the aforementioned duo plus James Ward-Prowse, it is looking more and more like there is a missing piece to the puzzle as the season progresses.
With Ward-Prowse’s creativity, it is understandable that Moyes wants him as far up the pitch as possible. This can sometimes affect Soucek’s impact on a game, though, similar to last season when he only managed two league goals.
The addition of Phillips from Man City this January could help solve that problem, and help add more stability to the base of midfield while the attacking players are trusted to score the goals.
Despite his lack of playing time under Pep Guardiola, everyone is aware that the talent is still there with the former Leeds United midfielder. All the England international needs is an opportunity to prove himself and gain much-needed match fitness.
In other West Ham news, Celtic star wanted by Hammers according to source close to player.
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