18 January 2024 , 16:06
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West Ham are exploring the loan acquisition of Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips.
The Hammers face stern competition from the likes of Newcastle and Crystal Palace for the former Leeds lynchpin, who is free to leave City this month due to his lack of playing time. Spanish giants Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are yet to enter the running despite suggestions of interest.
West Ham are long-standing admirers of Phillips and were open to the inclusion of the England international within a lucrative package for Declan Rice last summer before his £105million transfer to Arsenal.
David Moyes also looked at signing Phillips in the summer of 2022 before his £42million transfer to the Etihad Stadium. The sticking point is that City are commanding a hefty loan fee and favour an obligation to buy within any agreement for the 28-year-old ball-winner.
Juventus saw a formal approach rebuffed several weeks ago because they wanted to include an option to buy, not obligation. The Bianconeri have since walked away from the table.
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City now want to offload Phillips following an underwhelming spell at the club where he has failed to force his way into Pep Guardiola's starting XI.
West Ham are still prioritising attacking reinforcements but do not hold an interest in Leeds forward Wilfried Gnonto, contrary to reports.
Chelsea striker Armando Broja has been tracked for the best part of two years but a January deal would likely hinge on Chelsea's financial demands with the Albanian international now thought to be valued at close to £50m.
West Ham winger Said Benrahma is wanted by MarseilleSaid Benrahma, who was sent off in Tuesday's FA Cup replay defeat at Bristol City, could still depart before the deadline, though West Ham would ideally like to land a replacement first.
Marseille have already seen a loan bid with a permanent transfer option rejected but the French giants are continuing to sniff around the Algeria international.
Premier League sides have also made contact with his representatives including his former employer Brentford but there has still been no concrete movement to date on that front.
Sunderland winger Jack Clarke and Ajax captain Steven Bergwijn remain among the names on West Ham's shortlist and the club are quietly optimistic of bringing in new faces before the deadline.
Norwich City starlet Jonathan Rowe has impressed scouts this season. The future of right-back Ben Johnson is also one to watch. He is liked by Leeds but could now be set for a run in the side which would potentially open the door to further contract discussions with his current deal due to expire in the summer.
In terms of fitness, Jarrod Bowen, Edson Alvarez and Pablo Fornals could all return this weekend at Sheffield United after missing the midweek defeat at Ashton Gate.