Kalvin Phillips gives West Ham United hope with admission over Manchester City future
Rumoured West Ham target Kalvin Phillips has admitted that he will have to make a decision over his Manchester City future in the “next months” if he is to keep his England place.
West Ham were reported to be interested in signing Phillips during the summer window, while a recent report by Sussex World (10 October) suggested they and Everton remain the favourites to land his signature in January.
Phillips has struggled for playing time since arriving at the Etihad Stadium ahead of the start of last season, particularly this season as he has started just one game in all competitions – the EFL Cup defeat to Newcastle United.
Despite his lack of minutes at club level, Phillips continues to be picked by Gareth Southgate and started the 3-1 Euro 2024 qualifying win over Italy on Tuesday (17 October), with that an indication the 27-year-old is still a first-choice pick in midfield.
But Phillips has now accepted he cannot continue to play a bit-part role at Man City if he is to remain a starter for England come the European Championship finals next summer.
“I’m going to have to make a decision on [my future] over the next months,” Phillips told BBC Sport (17 October). “[Southgate] just says that for me to keep my spot I have to be playing games.
“That’s what I want to do. I have agreed with Gareth on that. I want to play football and want to play as much as possible.
“Over the last year and a half I haven’t been able to do that due to injuries and [other factors]. It’s something I am going to have to think about.
“Hopefully my chance does come but if it doesn’t then I will have to make other decisions as well.”
Reputable source Claret & Hugh suggested on Tuesday (17 October) that West Ham are not in a position to move for Phillips in January due to a lack of funds.
If there is no money there to finance a move, it is quite clearly a non-starter. But there is surely also the possibility of a loan deal early in the new year, with the view of making it a permanent agreement a few months later.
Either way, Phillips’ admission that he will have to depart City – something he refused to accept in the summer – is a positive development for West Ham.
It is looking increasingly likely the former Leeds United ace is on the move, so let’s just hope the Irons are at the front of the queue to discuss a move in January.
In other West Ham news, the Hammers risk paying the price if news that has emerged over the past 24 hours is anything to go by.