West Ham United are reportedly plotting an audacious double swoop for Manchester City duo Kalvin Phillips and Kyle Walker this summer.
According to a report from 90min, West Ham United are plotting a raid on Manchester City for Kalvin Phillips in the upcoming transfer window as a potential Declan Rice replacement. They would also be keen on bringing his teammate and England international Kyle Walker to the London Stadium.
Despite reaching the UEFA Europa Conference League semi-finals, David Moyes’s side have struggled domestically this season, currently flirting with the relegation zone at 15th in the Premier League, only four points above the bottom three. They will be looking to distance themselves from trouble against Manchester United at the London Stadium on Sunday night.
However, as we head towards the summer window, the Hammers’ are compiling a shortlist of transfer targets as they look to improve next season. As per the report, the Irons have a long-standing interest in Manchester City’s Phillips, who could be available this summer after struggling for regular first-team football at the Etihad.
Recent reports have suggested that West Ham are resigned to losing Declan Rice this summer. The 24-year-old has made no secret of his intention to compete in the Champions League, a demand the Hammers are unlikely to satisfy any time soon.
Rice has turned down multiple contract extensions. And as a result, a sale this summer to ensure West Ham recoup the best possible price is on the cards, with Arsenal showing great interest in the England international. In the event West Ham do sell their captain, the void in the midfield must be filled. And Phillips could, in theory, be the man to plug the gap.
The former Leeds star has struggled in his debut season with Manchester City through a combination of both fitness issues and being behind regular fixture Rodri in Pep Guardiola’s pecking order. With UEFA Euro 2024 on the horizon, Phillips can ill-afford another campaign on the periphery.
In addition, with Manchester City again planning significant midfield investment, he may look to leave the club for regular minutes. And recent reports have linked him with Liverpool and Aston Villa. Furthermore, the report claims that West Ham are interested in acquiring Manchester City’s Kyle Walker.
The Englishman has dropped down the pecking order as a result of the club’s adjusted system, with John Stones, Manuel Akanji, and Nathan Ake ahead of him. While Walker won’t come cheap, and his hefty wages could prove to be a stumbling block, West Ham are continuing to keep tabs on his situation.
Despite their interest in these two players, West Ham’s precarious situation in the top flight could hamper their chances of securing their services. First and foremost, the East London outfit must maintain their top-flight status at all costs to be in the conversation for the experienced England duo.
