Soccer Football - Premier League - Wolverhampton Wanderers v Leeds United - Molineux Stadium, Wolverhampton, Britain - March 18, 2022 Leeds United's Luke Ayling celebrates scoring their third goal with substitute Kalvin Phillips Action Images via Reuters/Paul Childs EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club /league/player publications. Please contact your account representative for further details.
According to journalist Alan Nixon of The Sun, writing on his official Patreon, a transfer update has now come out of West Ham United involving Leeds United defensive midfielder Kalvin Phillips.
The Lowdown: West Ham make winter move…
During the January transfer window, David Moyes were at the centre of attempts to sign the 26-year-old, with marquee bids even being lodged for his services.
Phillips, who partnered current West Ham star Declan Rice at the Euros last summer, is apparently re-attracting the Hammers’ interest as they wish to link the duo at club level.
The Irons, however, are apparently joined in their fondness by Leeds’ arch rivals Man United who have also been heavily linked with a move to sign the Three Lions man.
The Latest: West Ham to return…
According to Nixon, West Ham ‘will try again’ with another bid to sign Phillips after missing out with a ‘£55 million’ approach in January.
In a boost for the Hammers, it is believed that Man United are aren’t actually planning an immediate swoop for the Yorkshireman – potentially clearing their path to Phillips’ door.
The Verdict: Big statement…
It will take a lot to prise away Jesse Marsch’s top asset, but if they manage to reach an agreement, it would be a real statement of intent.
According to WhoScored, when compared to West Ham’s current midfield crop, only Rice has averaged a higher rate of tackles per 90 than Phillips – backing the point he could really partner Moyes’ star to great effect.
He could even come as a major upgrade on Tomas Soucek with the Czech Republic international’s form having been questioned this season.
Described as ‘one of the best midfielders in the world’ last year by teammate Liam Cooper last summer, West Ham could no better for a stellar defensive addition.
In other news: Newman opens West Ham dialogue to sign ‘one of the top’ number eights in Europe! Find out more here.
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