West Ham are very keen on a potential deal for Man City midfielder Kalvin Phillips this month, sources have told Football Insider.
The 28-year-old has been widely linked with a host of clubs so far in January, from Crystal Palace to Juventus.
However, a well-placed source has told Football Insider that it is West Ham who have “jumped to the front of the queue” to land the midfielder.
It is believed Irons boss David Moyes is “pushing” the club’s board and director of football Tim Steidten to sign Phillips before the 1 February deadline.
However, a potential deal could depend on Man City’s loan fee demands – which are currently unrealistic.
Sources say West Ham are unwilling to pay between £6-7million to sign Phillips for the remainder of the 2023-24 campaign.
One glimmer of hope for Moyes and the Irons, however, is that Phillips is believed to be keen on heading to the London Stadium and playing regularly in a loan spell at the club in the second half of this season.
The England international, who could be included in Gareth Southgate’s European Championships squad, has played just 318 minutes in 10 appearances so far this term.
He has started just six games since joining Man City from Leeds United in 2022.
Phillips, who earns a reported wage of £150,000-a-week, is under contract at the Etihad Stadium until June 2028.
West Ham sit sixth in the Premier League, while City are second and just two points adrift of leaders Liverpool.
Moyes’ side will play Europa League knockout stage football from March.
