West Ham to win race for Manchester City Kalvin Phillips, with loan-to-buy deal: report

Kalvin Phillips of Manchester City during the UEFA Champions League match between Manchester City and BSC Young Boys at Etihad Stadium on November 7, 2023 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
(Image credit: Getty Images)

West Ham United have approached Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips, according to the latest reports.

The Citizens star has struggled to find form at the Etihad following his move to the side from Leeds United. Last season, the England international knocked back moves away but now is in search of game-time and a new lease of life.

Sky Sports reports that now West Ham are keen on acquiring Phillips during the January window and talks are underway. He had been extensively linked with a move to Newcastle throughout this window but his current side had been insistent on a £7 million loan fee. Crystal Palace has also been linked, while European giants Barcelona, Atleico Madrid, and Juventus have also expressed interest.

Kalvin Phillips Euro 2020 yellow card

Kalvin Phillips is looking to play more ahead of Euro 2024 (Image credit: PA)

Since joining Pep Guardiola’s side from Leeds 18 months ago, Phillips has faced challenges, while it’s believed that he is now under pressure to secure a move in the current transfer window. The 28-year-old has not started a Premier League game this season and aims to secure regular playing time, with a view of retaining a spot in England's Euro 2024 squad.

But Man City have so far demanded a fee to see him leave - though there is the idea that the club may relax their position as the end of the window closes.

Phillips is a regular for the England national team and remains highly sought after, particularly in the Premier League, despite struggling at Man City.

West Ham's manager David Moyes celebrates after winning of the Europa Conference Football League match between West Ham United and Fiorentina, at the Fortuna Arena in Prague, Czech Republic on June 7, 2023. (Photo by Lukas Kabon/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

David Moyes has plenty of options in midfield already (Image credit: Getty Images)

Newcastle's midfield injuries have prompted their pursuit, though they do not have the funds to ensure a move goes through. while West Ham's interest dates back to David Moyes' attempt to acquire him from Leeds in January 2022 but ultimately failed to secure a move.

A sticking point for West Ham however, is that they already boast midfield options in Edson Alvarez, James Ward-Prowse, Tomas Soucek, and Lucas Paqueta, and Phillips wants game-time.

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Mark White
Content Editor

Mark White is the Digital Content Editor at FourFourTwo. During his time on the brand, Mark has written three cover features on Mikel Arteta, Martin Odegaard and the Invincibles, and has written pieces on subjects ranging from Sir Bobby Robson’s time at Barcelona to the career of Robinho. An encyclopedia of football trivia and collector of shirts, he first joined the team back in 2020 as a staff writer.