Peter Lynch

Fri 19 January 2024 7:45, UK

West Ham United are working on a deal to sign Kalvin Phillips on loan from Manchester City, according to the Mirror.

The newspaper reported in its print on Friday (page 56, 19 January) that the midfielder is set to leave this month due to a lack of playing time.

The Mirror added that fellow Premier League clubs Crystal Palace and Newcastle United are also showing an interest in the England international.

Difficult

It seems that a move for Phillips would be difficult for West Ham to complete this month, not given his availability but due to the other clubs chasing his signature.

It is perhaps not only the Premier League trio who are interested in a deal for the Manchester City man in January, with interest elsewhere likely to arise given his ability.

Phillips shone at Leeds United for several years before his big money switch to the Etihad, where it simply hasn’t gone to plan for player or club.

The midfielder should definitely be seeking an exit from Manchester as soon as possible in order to reignite his career. But his next destination remains unknown, as does whether it will be a temporary or permanent transfer.

Pep Guardiola has several players ahead of Phillips in the pecking order, and that situation does not look like changing any time soon.

West Ham did, of course, undergo a major midfield revamp in the summer, with Edson Alvarez and James Ward-Prowse arriving following the exit of Declan Rice.

A new midfielder could be added to the mix in the form of Phillips, who certainly has the approval of Hammers ace Michail Antonio.

Speaking on the Footballer’s Football Podcast, as transcribed by TBR Football (19 October 2023), Antonio said the player has “unreal quality.”

In other West Ham news, clubs are queuing up to sign a Hammers international on loan after his recent appearance in the FA Cup.

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.