West Ham have launched an astonishing £50million move for Leeds United and England midfielder, Kalvin Phillips.
David Moyes, who has already seen an approach for Phillips’s Leeds teammate Raphinha knocked back this month, is pushing to bolster his squad as the Hammers push to qualify for the Champions League this season.
A striker and central defender have been the priority targets but Phillips is seen as a top addition. Manchester United have long tracked the 26-year-old and could rival West Ham for his signature.
Phillips formed a formidable partnership with West Ham captain Declan Rice with England at Euro 2020 as the Three Lions reached the final.
Moyes wants to reunite the pair at the London Stadium, though Phillips could be seen as a long term replacement for Rice, who is valued at more than £100million and is attracting interest from Chelsea and both Manchester clubs.
Phillips is currently recovering from hamstring surgery and has not played since December 5, though that has not prevented the Hammers making a late move.
Moyes is hopeful of adding two players before Monday’s deadline. Blackburn’s Ben Brereton Diaz has been a target but is on international duty with Chile while Marseille central defender Duje Caleta-Car is an option, though the French side are reluctant to let him leave.
