A far-fetched new Kalvin Phillips West Ham United transfer claim has been made that will impact Manchester City.
Things have not gone well for Kalvin Phillips since joining West Ham from Manchester City.
After 18 months in the cold at Man City, Phillips has looked understandably rusty for the Hammers.
The midfielder signed on loan from Man City last month has twice given the ball away leading to goals.
And Phillips was then sent off in West Ham’s latest defeat to Forest at the weekend.
There were mitigating circumstances in all three incidents. A ridiculous pass from Kurt Zouma for the first, poor defending after the second and questionable officiating for the third.
Far-fetched new Phillips West Ham transfer claim
When the England man’s move from Man City to West Ham was announced there was no option to buy included.
But it has been intensely speculated that is because Phillips will be a makeweight in a deal which takes Lucas Paqueta to Manchester City.
West Ham and the champions had agreed a fee of around £85m for Paqueta in the summer. But it collapsed when an investigation was launched into alleged involvement in illegal betting.
His form thus far is likely hurting Phillips’ valuation in any such deal. But it will still be a sizeable chunk off what City would have to pay.
Hammers decision will impact Man City over Paqueta
Now a far-fetched new Phillips West Ham transfer claim has been made that will impact Man City.
Scottish journalist Alan Nixon counts Hammers boss David Moyes among his close contacts.
And he has claimed West Ham have already decided against signing Phillips in the summer.
Instead the Hammers are focusing on bringing in Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney, Nixon claims.
“Hammers are looking for extra legs and energy in the heart of their side and the poor form of Kalvin Phillips means that they are looking at alternatives,” Nixon states on his Patreon.
West Ham knew what they were getting
“Hammers spy Mick Brown and Forest scout Chris Brass both checked out Hackney at Preston last week.
“However Hammers could come up with a rival offer as they track Hackney’s progress for the rest of the season.”
If true that has obvious ramifications for Manchester City.
Not only would they have to find a taker for Phillips but Pep Guardiola’s side would also have to front up to pay the full amount for Paqueta – if and when he is cleared of the accusations against him.
The good news for Man City is this seems a touch far-fetched. West Ham would surely not have made their mind up on Phillips after a couple of weeks.
Especially as the club were well aware he may be rusty after being frozen out for so long by Guardiola.