David Moyes is “keen” on signing Kalvin Phillips for West Ham during the January window but others at the club have “doubts” over the move, according to Graeme Bailey.
HITC report via their website on (19 January) that among the Hammers hierarchy a push for the England midfielder is not “universally popular” but they are making inquiries at the behest of the manager.
The former Leeds United player, who has not been used much by Pep Guardiola at the Etihad, was reportedly the top target for Newcastle to sign, but negotiations have broken down over the loan fee demand, which is in excess of £5 million.
That has allowed West Ham to move into a strong position but there appear to be differences behind the scenes over whether the 28-year-old is the right target, even though the club are reportedly prepared to move for him on the direction of Moyes.
There remains “pessimism” at the London Stadium however that a deal can get done thanks to the expense for the long-term target of the manager, with the Scot previously having tried to sign Phillips from Elland Road [Guardian].
All things being equal there are plenty of reasons why bringing Phillips to the London Stadium would be beneficial, but when there is thought to be very little budget during January it doesn’t seem especially sensible to shell out a large loan fee at a position that is relatively well covered.
There is a dearth of options further forward thanks to injuries to Jarrod Bowen, Lucas Paqueta and Michail Antonio, plus the absence of Mohammed Kudus at the Africa Cup of Nations.
That would clearly look to be where West Ham most need reinforcements, compared to a central midfield that has Tomas Soucek, Edson Alvarez and James Ward-Prowse in it.
So on a purely logistical basis it is little surprise there are doubts at the club about going after Phillips at this stage, having spent substantial money to replace Declan Rice at the position in the summer.
It is fairly surprising that the club are willing to go ahead with the pursuit all the same, and might be a sign of Moyes’ growing influence again with the expectation that he is now remaining past the end of the season.
Phillips would give the manager a formidable midfield, but if it takes up whatever budget is available and leaves him light up top he might regret it.
In other West Ham news, the club are reportedly still hopeful of keeping hold of an exit-bound player who is wanted by an English club this month.
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