Transfer News: West Ham United plotting Kalvin Phillips swoop

West Ham United could make a massive transfer statement as they look to secure the services of Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips.

According to The Sun, a resurgent West Ham United could make a statement of sorts in the January transfer window as they plot a move for Leeds United midfield general Kalvin Phillips.

David Moyes’s side has continued to impress this term following a sensational end to last season’s campaign. West Ham are currently in the fifth spot in the Premier League and have an outside chance of challenging for the top four spots.

However, recent reversals have shown that the Hammers still lack enough strength in depth to sustain a challenge throughout the season. They can address that in the middle of the park should they land Phillips, who has seen his reputation soar in the last few years at Elland Road.

West Ham are well aware of Phillips’s qualities and are ready to fork out a club record £50 million transfer bid for his services. While the Irons will want to sign the 26-year-old now, they are prepared to play the long game and make a summer move if the situation develops.

The Leeds ace is recovering from a hamstring injury and has managed just 15 games, scoring one goal and making one goal all season. Despite not contributing much for Leeds in the ongoing campaign, the Hammers appear to be ready to splash the cash for the English international.

In Declan Rice, Moyes already has one of the finest midfielders in the game today. Phillips and Rice formed a good partnership during England’s run to the UEFA Euro 2020 final last summer, and there is no reason why they cannot repeat it at the club level.

A dynamic presence in the middle of the park, the 26-year-old is adept in both phases of the game. He is as capable of making a killer pass as he is of stopping an opposition attack in its tracks. A physical presence in the middle of the park, the Englishman could be tailor-made for West Ham’s direct style of play.

If Rice departs in the upcoming transfer window, securing Phillips will also hand the Hammers a readymade replacement. The 23-year-old West Ham ace is a highly sought-after player and, despite his high asking price, could be privy to a transfer bid or two at the end of the season.

By moving quickly to secure Phillips, the Hammers will be insuring themselves should the worst come to pass and Rice decides to leave. At the very least, they will already have a player ready to take his place already at the club.

West Ham potentially landing Phillips is nothing short of a coup. The Englishman has been courted by some of Europe’s biggest clubs in recent windows, but the Hammers appear ready to put their money where their mouth is. Having caught their rivals off guard on the field in recent months, it may be time for West Ham to catch them off guard in the transfer market as well.