West Ham United keep eye on Kalvin Phillips, situation ‘may change’ for midfielder
West Ham are watching developments of Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips, according to The Sun.
Phillips, who joined the Premier League champions last summer from Leeds, has managed only 21 minutes of Premier League football so far.
The 25-times capped England international was targeted by the Hammers when he was at Leeds, but he wasn’t keen on leaving the club at that time.
He is not a key player under Pep Guardiola and his situation “may change” if he is looking for more first-team football.
Replacement for Rice?
West Ham will need to bolster their midfield options in the summer transfer window.
Tomas Soucek is facing an uncertain future at the club, while it is inevitable now that Declan Rice will leave.
The Hammers skipper has been a great servant for the club, but he has stated his desire to play in the Champions League. He has a contract at the club until 2024, and the Hammers do have the option to keep him one more year.
However, they are unlikely to take that option. Rather, the club will happy to allow him to move to his dream destination, only if their valuation is met.
Could Phillips be a likely replacement? Phillips is a different type of player from Rice. He is a typical defensive midfielder who loves to sit deep and spray out passes.
He is probably not the right fit at City, and there’s no point wasting his talent there. The Hammers can look to sign him on loan as well with a view to a permanent deal later.