The January transfer window is heating up as clubs continue to buy and sell players for their own benefit. Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips is close to leaving the club after not managing to get enough game time to prove himself since his transfer from Leeds United.
The midfielder has not been able to get into the heavily stacked regular squad and is often seen sulking on the bench. With that said, City are now prepared to let the player leave, with Philips himself keen to be playing again as the Euros fast approach.
Kalvin Phillips linked with move to West Ham
Both Kalvin Phillips and Manchester City want to part ways, as the midfielder wants to get regular playing time so that he is chosen for the Euro 2024 squad for England. Philips has already shown the Premier League his caliber previously for Leeds United, and many clubs are interested in bringing in the player.
Kalvin Phillips still expected to leave Manchester City before the window shuts. Sources firmly deny #MCFC are insisting on an obligation to buy or that loan fee demands are too high.
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) January 17, 2024
Understand City are actually open to a deal structure to suit all parties and relaxed because… pic.twitter.com/rF4S7nJauG
City on the other hand also want to let Kalvin leave, and either a loan deal or a permanent transfer would be fine for them, with manager Pep Guardiola admitting he is not in his plans. One of the clubs that has shown interest in signing the out-of-favor City player is West Ham, with a loan deal heavily contemplated.
BREAKING: #WHUFC are contemplating a move for #MCFC midfielder Kalvin Phillips.
— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) January 17, 2024
City have told England international Phillips he can leave but are looking for a sizeable loan fee.
– talkSPORT sources understand
🚨 More on our website ☞ https://t.co/PVsrFYa8AU pic.twitter.com/fJcpayhjYI
City have asked for an initial £7 million loan fee and an obligation to sign a permanent transfer in the summer. Newcastle United are said to have been offered this and have already rejected it.
West Ham manager David Moyes is said to want the player to boost his midfield options, with his midfield needing some good backup and the ability to rotate them regularly. Kalvin would also be promised good game time and would fit in well at the club.
Roy Hodgson wants Kalvin Phillips at Crystal Palace
However, West Ham would face heavy competition from other Premier League clubs, with Crystal Palace heavily considering a loan deal for the player.
Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson was asked about signing the midfielder, and he spoke positively about him. “He’s a good player. I would like to think that if Kalvin Phillips is available and a possibility for the club, once again, there will be financial restrictions, who knows whether the club feels they will be able to afford that.”
Roy Hodgson on the possibility of Crystal Palace signing Kalvin Phillips 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/j7AYinra7E
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) January 17, 2024
He also said that Philips will get enough game time under him at the club, “What we could then of course offer is the chance to play regular football in the Premiership, in the build-up to what will be a very important summer for England and for him.”
However, Palace can only afford to sign the player in the case of a loan deal, as they will be breaking FFP rules if they spend heavily. The recent charges against Nottingham Forest and Everton have dissuaded them from signing any big transfers.
Whichever club does manage to get Kalvin Philips, one thing is for sure, his days at Manchester City are already over.
