West Ham United transfer news: ‘Major coup’ Kalvin Phillips update as Manchester City expected to compromise
West Ham are closing in on a “major coup” for David Moyes with the expected signing of Kalvin Phillips on loan, according to The Standard.
Malik Ouzia reports via the paper’s website on 23 January that the midfielder is prepared to join the Hammers, who are “increasingly confident” of reaching an agreement with Manchester City this week.
The Irons will have come out on top vs the likes of Newcastle and European giants Barcelona and Juventus if they get the signing over the line.
Although the Champions League winners have been demanding as much as £7million for the rest of the season, the financial commitment should be reduced at the London Stadium as it’s reported that “a compromise is expected to be reached”.
Pulling power?
The numbers involved have surely helped West Ham force their way to the front of the queue on this one since the likes of Barca and the Magpies can’t spend, but if City are set to settle for a trade-off on a lower fee to get the deal done before the deadline it would still be impressive for the club to land this one ahead of the various other interested clubs.
And with the driving force behind the pursuit, which is likely to constitute an expensive loan for just a few months of the 28-year-old, believed to very much be the manager it is a signal that he still holds sway at the club.
It is increasingly being suggested that Tim Steidten is already as good as untouchable after his summer appointment, with the pair believed to have had differences in both of the transfer windows they have shared at West Ham.
But, if Moyes is set to sign a contract extension to remain past the end of the season it seems that the Scot can still get his way in the market, even if he is butting heads with his technical director.
Since Phillips has had such a small amount of football at the Etihad in the past 18 months, with Pep Guardiola able to spend £42m on the former Leeds United star [Sky Sports] and then give him just six starts in all competitions, the Hammers manager will have to hope he doesn’t take time to get up to speed.
When everyone is fit he would help form a very strong Irons midfield, with a comparable strengthening of the forward positions now needed more than anything afterwards.
In other West Ham news, Dharmesh Sheth has shared a “huge” finances update as the Hammers chase two attackers before the deadline.
For more West Ham news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.