Simon Jordan: Leeds United ace Kalvin Phillips should reject West Ham
Kalvin Phillips should stay at Leeds United and reject a move to West Ham in the summer if the Yorkshire club stays up, according to Simon Jordan.
David Moyes wants to sign Phillips in the summer [ExWHUemployee] after the London club failed in their attempt to sign him in the January window [Guardian].
Ex-Crystal Palace owner Jordan has argued that Leeds are a bigger club than West Ham and Aston Villa, although a case can be made for both of them signing Phillips.
“You can run an argument Villa are an iconic club, can make less of an argument for West Ham. I know West Ham fans will dislike me intensely. They are a London club with descent heritage,” said Jordan on talkSPORT on Wednesday [23 March], as shown in a clip on the radio station’s official Twitter account.
“If Leeds can get themselves focussed and streamlined and prepared to support Jesse Marsch I’d like to think he should stay there. The potential of Leeds is as big if not bigger than Villa and West Ham.”
Tough situation
Phillips has developed himself as a top-class midfielder in the Premier League, and he could be a fantastic signing for the Hammers.
He plays alongside Declan Rice for the England national team, and there could be a temptation for the Hammers to re-create that bonding at club level.
Both the Hammers and Villa could be willing to meet his asking price, considering the Londoners showed their ambition already to sign him in January.
At the moment, it depends on two factors. First, where Leeds finish at the end of the season, and secondly, what Phillips actually wants.
If Leeds manage to escape relegation, they will be in a strong position to keep hold of their talisman figure. However, the scenario will change drastically, if they go down.
According to LeedsLive journalist Beren Cross, who is well connected with Leeds, Phillips wishes to stay at the club and extend his contract. He feels the club can match his ambitions.
If that’s the case, unless any Champions League club come up with a tempting offer, Phillips is unlikely to leave his boyhood club.
In other West Ham news, West Ham Women pulled out a dramatic injury-time equaliser against Manchester United.
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