West Ham linked with swoop for England international as potential long-term replacement for key player

West Ham are reportedly keen on Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips. The England international has been linked with a switch to the London Stadium in the past.

According to a report by Football Insider, the Hammers will ‘reignite’ their interest in the former Leeds United man. He only made the move to the Etihad Stadium last summer but isn’t a regular starter with the current Premier League champions.

West Ham could see the Yorkshireman as an ideal long-term replacement for Declan Rice, who will inevitably be targeted by other clubs down the line. His contract expires in the summer of 2024.

Phillips, 27, was snapped up by City in July and penned a bumper six-year deal with Pep Guardiola’s side. He has since made just four appearances, one of which has come in the league, and he has had his injury problems.

Prior to his big move to the North West outfit, he had spent his whole career to date at Leeds and made his name at Elland Road. He played 234 games for the Whites in all competitions and helped them gain promotion from the Championship under ex-boss Marcelo Bielsa back in 2020.

West Ham’s squad needs strengthening as they nervously look over their shoulder towards the relegation zone. Pressure is mounting on David Moyes to start picking up some more wins and his team are back in action tomorrow away at Phillips’ old club Leeds as they look to get back on track.