23 January 2024 , 15:51
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West Ham look set to sign Manchester City star Kalvin Phillips after a loan deal was struck between the two sides.
The England midfielder has endured a torrid time since moving to the Etihad Stadium from Leeds. He was expected to move on during the January transfer window, with a host of clubs interested in signing him.
It appears that West Ham have won the race for Phillips’ services after thrashing out an agreement with the reigning Premier League champions. According to The Athletic, the Hammers will sign him on loan until the end of the season.
They are set to pay the midfielder’s salary in full and will have an option to buy in the summer should they meet City’s asking price. Phillips will undergo a medical with his temporary employers on Thursday ahead of finalising a switch to the London Stadium.
He could potentially make his debut for West Ham early next month in West Ham’s Premier League home game against Bournemouth. Phillips will then return to Manchester as David Moyes ’ men travel to Old Trafford to take on Man United just days later.
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The move will give Phillips vital game time as he attempts to secure a spot in the England squad for the upcoming Euros. Since completing a £45m switch from Leeds to Man City a year and a half ago, he has made just 31 appearances - only six of those being starts.
That could potentially the only outings he makes for City should West Ham go through with a permanent move in the summer. Juventus and Bayern Munich were touted as potential suitors for him before the January transfer window but moves have not materialised.
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Phillips’ City contract still has over four-and-a-half years left to run. City boss Pep Guardiola apologised for the lack of game time that he has been afforded with the club but admitted he doesn’t see a space for the midfielder in his side.
Speaking in December, he said: "I don't know what's going to happen. I feel so sorry for my decision for him. I've said that many times. He doesn't deserve what has happened to him and I'm so sorry.
“The only thing I can say about him is I am asking for good personalities and characters and he is a perfect example. And after that I have to give him something and I didn't do that.
"It's just because I visualise some things and visualise the team and things - and I struggle to see him. I'm not very pleased [with myself] and I am so sorry for him. I will not say that [to him] because it is a business and I have to be a professional.”
Phillips might not be the only star to leave Man City this January. Spanish fullback Sergio Gomez has also been linked with a move away with Galatasaray emerging as a potential option.