Life after Declan Rice has currently faired pretty well for David Moyes and West Ham United as they sit sixth in the Premier League table.
The midfield players that were purchased in the summer – James Ward-Prowse and Edson Alvarez – have also started pretty well, including helping the Hammers progress in Europe.
But sources have told HITC Football that David Moyes is now keen on bringing Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips to West Ham United this month.
Ex-Championship manager Gary Rowett described that as a ‘very good move’ and he thinks he could fill the gap left by Declan Rice from the summer, as he told the Transfer Show on Sky Sports.
It has been 18 or so months since Pep Guardiola signed Kalvin Phillips, but it has proven to be a nightmare move for the 28-year-old midfielder – he has played 911 minutes across all competitions since joining.
To put that into context, James Ward-Prowse, who joined the Hammers in the summer from relegated Southampton, has played a tad over 2,500 minutes so far this season.
It’s pretty clear that some life needs to be brought back into the former Leeds United star’s game and Gary Rowett thinks a move to the London Stadium would suit all parties.
Kalvin Phillips at West Ham United
“I think it would be a very good move for both,” said Rowett. “There is perhaps still a bit of a gap from Declan Rice moving in the summer.
“If you look back a couple of years ago when both (Phillips and Rice) were playing for England so well together and probably relatively equal at that point.
“But if you can get Kalvin Phillips on loan. Someone who is desperate for game time. He will be chomping on the bit and keen to show everyone what he is all about. I think it’s a really, really nice fit with West Ham. It’s slightly different to what they gave got.
“They only really have Soucek in that position that’s a little bit more of a disrupter in midfield. I think it would be a really good move – he’s an all-action midfielder. A little bit of grit. He can play as well. Technically very, very good and he has that leadership qualities, which a club like West Ham are going to need to try and push into the top half of the Premier League.”
Kalvin Phillips for England
Despite the lack of game time, Gareth Southgate continues to select Phillips for England, including at the most recent World Cup.
You would imagine that theme will continue ahead of Euro 2024, even if players like Ward-Prowse, who aren’t selected, perform so admirably.
Therefore, it’s paramount that Phillips gets this move so he can earn some much-needed minutes and be firing for the Euros.
If that happens, then there is every chance that Southgate starts Phillips alongside his old mate Rice in Germany.
