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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Nizaar Kinsella

Kalvin Phillips confirms desire to fight for Man City place and turn down summer move to West Ham

Kalvin Phillips says he will reject offers to leave Manchester City this summer to give him one more year to make it under Pep Guardiola.

The 27-year-old midfielder scored his first England goal in the 7-0 win over North Macedonia at Old Trafford on Tuesday but has played a bit-part role for his club this season.

The £45million signing from Leeds only started two league games but is ready to snub interest from the likes of West Ham to remain in Manchester.

Speaking after his impressive substitute cameo on Monday night, Phillips confirmed his transfer stance this summer: “My intention is to stay.

“We have just won the Treble, so there is no reason for me to leave other than if I am not playing [if that continues], I will obviously have to think about it.

“I cannot give it 12 months and say I am not playing so I am going to leave. As you have seen with many players at City, it can take quite a while to cement yourself into the team.

“I spoke to quite a few of the players about it -- Nathan Ake being one and Jack [Grealish] being another. They all said the same, they all said the first 12 months were the hardest of their City careers but after that it...it doesn’t become easy, but easier.”

Phillips explained that he will take a break before sitting down with Guardiola during City’s pre-season tour of Asia, adding: “I will definitely speak to Pep.

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“I don’t know whether it will be in the summer because everyone enjoys their downtime and everyone wants their space away from football so I’ll probably leave it until I go back for pre-season. I’ll just speak to him and have a good conversation.

“I’m now just going to go away for the off-season and enjoy myself with my family and girlfriend and friends, and then come back fighting.”

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