Wantaway Kalvin Phillips’ soft spot for David Moyes gives West Ham the edge over Newcastle United in the race for his signature.
West Ham and Newcastle United – along with a host of Italian and Spanish clubs – are battling to sign Kalvin Phillips on loan in the January transfer window.
Yesterday it was reported that the Hammers and Magpies will find out who has won the race next week after claims of extortionate loan fees and clauses were denied.
There was bad news for Newcastle when CBS journalist Ben Jacobs reported that West Ham are the ‘ones to watch’ when it comes to landing Phillips.
Now we may have found out why that is the case.
Moyes gives West Ham edge over Newcastle
Because Phillips’ soft spot for David Moyes gives West Ham the edge over Newcastle.
Sources involved in negotiations on West Ham’s side have told Hammers News that the midfielder “has a lot of time and respect for Moyes” as a result of his attempts to sign him previously.
Phillips is also said to have appreciated Moyes singing his praises publicly when eyebrows were being raised after he was made a starter for England by Gareth Southgate.
West Ham boss Moyes has held an interest in Phillips stretching way back to the January 2022 window when he was still at Leeds.
The Hammers made a £50m bid for Phillips back then which was rejected by Leeds, who went on to sell him for £5m less to Man City in the summer – as confirmed by Moyes himself.
Phillips has soft spot for Hammers boss
With his place in the England squad for this summer’s Euros very much at risk, Phillips is looking to move and Newcastle and West Ham are waiting in the wings according to the likes of Sky Sports and talkSPORT.
But it seems Moyes could actually give West Ham the edge of Eddie Howe and Newcastle for the Man City outcast.
Here’s what journalist Jacobs said about the Phillips situation:
“Kalvin Phillips still expected to leave Manchester City before the window shuts.
“Sources firmly deny Man City are insisting on an obligation to buy or that loan fee demands are too high. Understand City are actually open to a deal structure to suit all parties and relaxed because even a straight loan will help gain Phillips minutes and raised value come summer.
“Keep an eye on West Ham.”
READ ALSO
West Ham’s line-up if they sign Kalvin Phillips could be genius.
Ambitious Fulham to beat West Ham to sensational £35m Tim Steidten target.
Journalist’s major update on 2 exciting West Ham transfer moves and a departure.
Receive a digest of our best West Ham content each week direct to your mailbox
