Pep Guardiola to have final say on future of ‘miserable’ Kalvin Phillips amid West Ham United transfer news
West Ham have Kalvin Phillips on their summer radar, with Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola likely to have the “final say” on the midfielder’s future, according to talkSPORT.
Phillips has struggled for game time in Manchester since his high-profile switch from Leeds United last summer.
He has been used sparingly by Guardiola despite Manchester City needing a large squad to fight on all fronts this season.
“Kalvin Phillips wants to stay at Manchester City and fight for his future,” according to talkSPORT. “Phillips has endured a miserable time of things since completing a £45million move from hometown club Leeds to City last summer.
“After making just seven Premier League starts, clubs including West Ham have Phillips on their summer radar. But talkSPORT understands the England international still believes he can force his way into Pep Guardiola’s affections.
“Guardiola is likely to have the final say but kept patience with Phillips’ England teammate Jack Grealish after he struggled in his first season at the Etihad.”
Tough campaign
It has indeed been a miserable season for Phillips, who arrived with so much promise after a legendary spell at Leeds.
The midfielder has been limited to just eight Premier League appearances this season, with a shoulder injury combining with his failure to impress Guardiola resulting in such few minutes on the pitch.
The midfielder has gone from being an iconic and important figure at Leeds to warming the bench at Manchester City, not a situation he would have wanted or indeed imagined after making the switch.
West Ham will definitely be in the market for a defensive midfielder this summer if Declan Rice exits the East London club, and Phillips represents a superb replacement.
But knowing Guardiola, Phillips will probably have to continue his background role for the foreseeable future.
Phillips will be praised if he decides to stay at the Etihad and fight for his spot in the team, but perhaps a more admirable option would be to leave the Premier League giants and find regular football elsewhere.