West Ham United were prepared to go as high as £55 million for Leeds United talisman Kalvin Phillips in the January window, although they failed with a move.
According to The Sun, West Ham United were willing to increase their initial bid for Kalvin Phillips in the January window. The Hammers were prepared to pay £55 million for the Leeds United star, as David Moyes wanted to pair him with Declan Rice in midfield.
Moyes wanted to bring in players for various positions in the January window. The Hammers were looking for options to strengthen the squad as they embark on a tough second half of the season, competing in multiple competitions.
The manager remained concerned about the squad depth, as many cast doubts over the club’s ability to get through multiple competitions with the current roster. Moyes wanted to bring in a centre-back and a backup striker, although neither failed to arrive in London.
When their interest in Kalvin Phillips became apparent, it came as a big surprise, although the idea from Moyes was to pair the Leeds United star with his England teammate Declan Rice in the West Ham midfield. However, the Yorkshire club rejected the Hammers’ reported offer of £50 million.
The latest follow-up to the story has suggested that West Ham were ready to increase their offer to around £55 million. If the reports are accurate, then Moyes was extremely serious about signing the Leeds star and probably wanted to sign the England international before some of the more illustrious clubs make their move.
The report suggests Leeds were somewhat receptive to West Ham’s approaches. A sale might have transpired if Marcelo Bielsa’s men did not lose their game to relegation-threatened Newcastle United, which caused panic at the Yorkshire club.
Phillips has attracted interest from some big Premier League sides in recent months. There have been constant links over a move to the Manchester clubs or Liverpool. The England midfielder remains in high demand and offers could pour in next summer.
However, with Leeds not sanctioning a sale despite the huge offer from West Ham, it could be an indication that the club might demand a much higher fee for Phillips. As things stand, a move in the summer could be on the cards for the England international, as a transfer battle could ensue among the Premier League elite for his signing.
West Ham value Rice at £100m+ but Phillips at £55m. Go figure. Reckon they bid to fail in an attempt to appease their fans.