Journalist shares Kalvin Phillips update amid confusion and conflicting West Ham United reports
There is still no fully agreed option-to-buy clause included in the deal to take midfielder Kalvin Phillips to West Ham from Manchester City, according to Ben Jacobs.
Speaking on the Caught Offside YouTube channel on Tuesday (23 January), the CBS journalist said there has been some “confusion and conflicting reports” about the England international’s move to the Hammers, but that final discussions are ongoing to add a permanent clause of more than £30million into the initial loan deal.
He added that all the parties involved seem to be indicating that the 28-year-old’s transfer will still go through regardless of whether or not the option to buy is agreed.
“There is some confusion and conflicting reports about the option to buy,” said Jacobs. “I’m told by club sources that there is still no fully agreed option to buy, but it is part of final discussions.
“If all goes according to plan, there will be an option to buy and it will be over £30million. But as it stands, we should refer to this as a loan deal that needs finalisation on the option.
“All parties seem to indicate that regardless of the option, which is obviously at an advanced stage of discussions as well, the deal will go through.”
Work to be done
There is still a bit of work to be done to clear up the option to buy part of the deal, but it sounds as though Phillips will be a West Ham player this month either way.
While Jacobs mentioned a fee of more than £30million is being discussed, you would think it’s a fair bit higher than that due to Man City paying Leeds United £42million to sign him in 2022.
The Hammers are, however, believed to be paying up to £6million to secure the midfielder on loan until the end of the season, so that should come off the permanent fee they are looking for.
David Moyes will be delighted if he can get this deal over the line in the next few days as the Englishman is a player he’s been tracking for a few years.
He should add plenty of quality to our already excellent options in midfield as we look to ensure it’s another successful campaign at the London Stadium.
In other West Ham news, the Hammers are set to announce a new behind-the-scenes appointment.
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