David Moyes must pounce for his longstanding West Ham target as Man City star Kalvin Phillips finds himself in Pep Guardiola’s bad books.
As West Ham fans well know, Phillips was one of Moyes’ prime targets in the last two windows.
So much so Moyes even admitted West Ham had actually offered Leeds MORE money than Manchester City to sign the midfield ace (MEN).
West Ham saw a January window bid of £55m rejected and tried again for Declan Rice’s then England midfield partner in the summer (The Sun, The Guardian).
But Phillips ended up joining Man City instead for £13m less and has barely played – as many predicted would be the case.
Injury issues have blighted the 27-year-old’s first six months at the Etihad. But even when fit, Phillips has found himself nothing more than a bit-part player behind the likes of Rodri in the Man City side.
With speculation intensifying during the World Cup that Rice will leave West Ham in the summer – and Man City one of the many clubs linked – Phillips’ situation in Manchester is no doubt being closely monitored by the Hammers.
And Moyes must pounce for his West Ham target as Man City star Phillips finds himself in Guardiola’s bad books.
The Spaniard stunned the press yesterday when he announced that Phillips will not be considered for selection for Man City after returning from the World Cup “overweight” (BBC Sport).
The man many believe could be the ideal Rice heir at West Ham, was a surprise omission from the City squad for Thursday’s Carabao Cup victory over Liverpool.
Guardiola’s initial explanation was to say Phillips, was not fit.
But the Manchester City boss later stated: “He is not injured. He arrived overweight.”
When asked why, Guardiola replied: “I don’t know.
“He didn’t arrive in the condition for the training sessions and to play.”
Guardiola refused to explain what he had said to Phillips about the situation, saying it was a private conversation.
In total, Phillips has made just four appearances for Man City since his £42m move – all from the substitutes’ bench.
Sometimes in football big moves just don’t work out for a player or club – as West Ham know themselves from recent experiences with the likes of Sebastien Haller and in many ways Felipe Anderson too.
If it opens the door for West Ham then Moyes must walk through it.