What David Moyes has already said about Kalvin Phillips ahead of Man City transfer

West Ham have emerged as the most likely candidates to complete the loan signing of out-of-favour Manchester City man Kalvin Phillips with the Hammers poised to beat a string of big clubs to the deal.

The England international has been touted as a target for Newcastle United, Crystal Palace and Juventus this month but it now appears that long-term suitors West Ham are close to reaching an agreement with the Champions. David Moyes has long admired Phillips with Leeds United turning down a reported £50 million bid from the club in 2022 before selling the Yorkshireman to Pep Guardiola's side for £45 million.

West Ham are believed to be finalising details with Manchester City, who want a hefty £7 million loan fee for the short spell. Moyes will be delighted to land the coup ahead of Premier League rivals after a tricky month for the Hammers which has included FA Cup humiliation to Bristol City and frustration against Sheffield United.

The Scotsman has made his love of Phillips no secret in the past. Ahead of facing Leeds United in the top flight in 2021, Moyes said: "I'm a big admirer of Kalvin Phillips and have been for a long time. Every time I went to watch Leeds, and when I was out of work and they won the Championship, I was always thinking he looked a really influential player and a real prospect. I think he has stepped up really quickly, I think he got into the England squad when maybe other people were suggested in front of him but I think he's done well."

It's no surprise then that Moyes tried to lead a West Ham bid for the player the following year, which would have united Phillips with England colleague Declan Rice at the heart of the Hammers midfield.

Ahead of that meeting with Leeds United in September 2021, which the Hammers won 2-1 thanks to a late Michail Antonio goal, Moyes added: "The partnership with Declan and Kalvin Phillips has been really good. They are both incredibly energetic, they are both improving players. Kalvin is 25, Declan's 22, I think you've got to say they are young midfield players and they have lots of room to get better because of their age.

"I'm sure as they mature and understand it better they will. I'm not sure if it's a direct battle between them with the way the teams match up but getting England players playing against each other there's always an attraction. They play in similar roles so that makes it attractive, seeing two young English players against each other on the same pitch.