Moyesie can Phill gap after Rice sale
MANCHESTER CITY’S Kalvin Phillips is wanted at West Ham – as a successor to Declan Rice.
Skipper Rice, 24, is set to spark a mass summer transfer scrap by refusing to sign the new long-term contract on the table at the London Stadium.
And as David Moyes and the Irons board prepare to sell the England ace – for around £120million – they have earmarked Phillips as a replacement.
The midfielder, 27, has struggled for form and fitness since his big-money switch from Leeds last July.
Phillips has made only eight appearances in all competitions, seven as a substitute.
The one game he started, in the Carabao Cup at Southampton last month, ended in a 2-0 defeat and he was hooked early in the second half at St Mary’s.
City boss Pep Guardiola claimed after the World Cup that part of the reason for the England international’s limited match action was down to him being out of shape on his return from Qatar.
But despite his disappointing campaign West Ham remain convinced he is the most suitable option out there.
Moyes has long admired Phillips and was keen to buy him last summer.
However, while the Hammers were prepared to outbid City’s £42m offer, the player had his heart set on joining Guardiola’s outfit.
Now the Londoners hope he will be more interested, especially if his situation does not change over the next four months.
That could even lead to City, one of several clubs expected to be chasing Rice, cutting a cash-plusplayer deal.
West Ham would still pocket the best part of £80m for Rice in addition to securing the services of someone at the top of their shopping list.
Even if City are unwilling to match the massive £120m valuation on Rice, the Irons still intend to pursue their interest in Phillips.