West Ham have strengthened their midfield by signing Manchester City’s Kalvin Phillips on loan for the remainder of the season, and they can raise funds for further signings by selling Pablo Fornals to Real Betis. .
Fornals’ contract expires at the end of the season and Betis has also considered a loan move, with the intention of making a bid after completing the sale of Luis Enrique to Botafogo. A return to Spain would suit the midfielder, while the £24m sale of a player who joined from Villarreal in 2019 would be a boost for West Ham, Because they want to renew the team.
David Moyes has his starting XI confirmed, but recent injuries in attack have exposed issues with West Ham’s substitutes. Moyes is also prepared to sanction the departure of Said Benrahma, who is the subject of interest from Marseille and Saudi Arabian Professional League clubs.
West Ham United are in talks over a deal for North Zealand winger Ibrahim Osman – with the Danish club rejecting a €16m (£13.7m) bid for the 19-year-old and holding out for around €20m – and A move for Jota could be considered, with the winger’s future at the Etihad uncertain.
West Ham have backed Moyes with a move for Phillips, although the England midfielder’s deal does not include an option to buy. Negotiations focus on an option worth £40m to make the deal permanent in the summer.
West Ham have agreed to cover the loan fee and pay Phillips’ wages of around £140,000-a-week.It may be difficult for them to pay the 28-year-old long-term due to Financial Fair Play considerations
Phillips hopes to be playing regularly ahead of England’s Euro 2024 tournament in Germany. He has played just 89 minutes in the Premier League this season, with his two starts for City coming in the Carabao Cup defeat to Newcastle and the final Champions League group stage win over Red Star Belgrade for Guardola’s side. Already qualified to advance to the next stage.
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Phillips signed from Leeds United for £42m two summers ago but has never established himself. Guardiola has previously criticized the player for being overweight and lacking “short-range rhythm”.On Thursday, the Manchester City boss said: “Hopefully he can play the minutes he deserves, but I can’t give him the minutes. I wish him the best. [well]. I have said many times, he is an outstanding person and football player, otherwise he would not be in the national team. Hopefully he can prove his true identity. “
