West Ham United are advancing in their pursuit of Kalvin Phillips as the Manchester City midfielder could become their first winter signing.
According to Team Talk, West Ham are advancing in their chase of Kalvin Phillips and ready to take him on loan. The decisive outcome of talks may indicate that the Hammers are willing to pay Manchester City’s demand for a considerable loan fee that could see them fork out £6-7 million for the next six months.
West Ham United closing in on Kalvin Phillips?
Kalvin Phillips may have wanted his immediate future resolved one way or another, as he remains an unhappy figure at Manchester City. He could have had the chance to leave the Etihad last summer but chose to stay and fight for his place under Pep Guardiola.
The result of that decision has been nothing short of abysmal, with the £45 million midfielder only making two starts this season. A host of clubs, including Newcastle United, tried to sign him this month but were put off by Manchester City’s demands of a £6-7 million loan fee.
West Ham opened talks with the club and were considered leaders in the chase for Phillips. Now, as per the latest on the hunt, they are advancing in negotiations with Manchester City, meaning they might have agreed to pay what’s required to take the £45 million midfielder on a six-month loan.
Phillips could become David Moyes’ first January signing, as the Hammers boss will want a stellar end to the month with more additions. At West Ham, the Manchester City midfielder will hope to forge a starting spot and play regularly, especially considering his place in the England squad for the Euros is at stake.
West Ham are also looking for a new forward?
With the Phillips signing closing in, West Ham are also in the market for a new forward. They have faced disappointments in their pursuit of several targets, including Chelsea’s Armando Broja, with the forward likely to stay or leave at a very high price.
Similarly, they have seen Aston Villa turn down an approach for Jhon Duran, which has forced Moyes to switch his attention elsewhere. He also wants Victor Boniface, but Bayer Leverkusen are unlikely to sell him mid-season, especially when they are in the thick of a Bundesliga title race.
There’s some bit of optimism about Leeds United’s Wilfried Gnonto, and together with Phillips, the Hammers could still end the current window on a high note. For now, they appear to be closing in on the Manchester City midfielder, and if there’s enough time, Moyes might make a foray into a new forward.
