Fabrizio Romano drops Sunday AM West Ham United and Kalvin Phillips transfer update
Fabrizio Romano has urged fans to keep an eye on West Ham in the race to sign Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips on loan in January, with interest from elsewhere fading.
The transfer journalist reported on 21 January that, despite links to Barcelona, the Spanish giants have made no contact with City over the deal, while Juventus and Newcastle have pulled out for financial reasons.
Romano clarified that the deal would not be a cheap one, with a loan fee and his wages involved, but the Hammers are pushing to get it done and hoping Phillips will decide soon.
Writing in his Daily Briefing [21 January], Romano shared: “I’ve had some questions about Kalvin Phillips and Barcelona in recent days, but from what I understand Barca have never contacted Manchester City for Kalvin Phillips.
“Things can change quickly, especially towards the end of January, but as of today there are no negotiations and it’s not something close or concrete.
“As previously reported, it’s not a cheap loan for Phillips – this is why Juventus decided to leave the conversations as they felt it was too expensive, and this is also why English clubs like Newcastle are not so convinced about the deal. Phillips is appreciated, but there is a loan fee and salary coverage, so it’s an expensive deal.
“Keep an eye on West Ham, though, as they keep pushing on that deal and they keep hoping Phillips will decide soon, but it’s not easy.”
Push to get this done
With some of the more high-profile interest in Phillips, West Ham must make sure they make what seems to be an advantage in the race for his signature count to bring him in ahead of their competitors this month.
While the club are already well-stocked for midfielders, with James Ward-Prowse, Edson Alvarez and usually Thomas Soucek taking up the three spaces in David Moyes’ system, it’s difficult to pass up on a player of Phillips’ quality.
Of course, there will be reservations surrounding the money involved in the deal, with a potential £6million loan fee reported elsewhere on top of his costly wage packet, but it is an opportunity to strengthen the squad.
An England regular, and somebody with trophy-winning experience after being involved in Manchester City’s treble-winning season, although with much of that involvement from the bench, is not the type of player you can afford to say no to.
If the Hammers want to secure further silverware this season, with the Europa League very much on the cards, this type of quality and experience could prove vital.
In other West Ham news, talks have opened to sign an Aston Villa ace.
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