Phillips the man to fill gap when Rice exits
KALVIN PHILLIPS is wanted at West Ham
– as a successor to Declan Rice.
Hammers skipper Rice, 24, is set to spark a mass summer transfer scrap by refusing to sign the 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 their desired replacement.
The Manchester City midfielder, 27, has struggled for form and fitness since his big-money switch from Leeds last July.
Phillips has barely figured for the English champions, making only eight appearances in all competitions, seven as a substitute.
The one game he started, the Carabao Cup quarterfinal at Southampton, saw him hooked early in the second half as City lost 2-0.
Boss Pep Guardiola claimed after the World
Cup that the England international’s limited game time was partly down to him returning from Qatar out of shape.
But West Ham remain convinced Phillips is the most suitable option when Rice inevitably leaves.
Moyes was keen to buy him last summer and the Hammers were prepared to top City’s £42m offer, though the player had his heart set on joining Guardiola’s outfit.
City are among several clubs expected to chase
Rice and could cut a cashplus-player deal involving Phillips.
West Ham would still pocket the best part of £80m for Rice and sign a player at the top of their shopping list.
Even if City are unwilling to match the massive £120m valuation on Rice, the Irons would still pursue their interest in Phillips.