Transfer Talk: Hammers think Kalvin can Phil gap left by Rice

West Ham are eyeing Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips as a potential replacement for Declan Rice. 

The Hammers captain, 24, looks set to leave this transfer window, with Arsenal reportedly closing in on his signature. 

Despite winning a historic treble with City last term, 27-year-old Phillips endured a disappointing campaign on a personal level — though it has not deprived him of a place in England’s most recent squad. 

As the midfielder gears up to face Malta tonight, we turn the spotlight on his future.

Not involved

Phillips was afforded just 291 minutes in the Premier League this season, despite proving himself for Leeds and England prior to joining Pep Guardiola’s side. 

He did attempt (96.49) and complete (89.38) more passes per 90 than any player in the Premier League in 2022-23 — on a very small sample size.

Given the treble-winners splashed £42million on his signature last summer, both parties will be disappointed with the midfielder's lack of involvement.

Rice replacement

Rice is close to leaving the Hammers after captaining them to their first piece of silverware since 1980. 

The England international's departure would leave a defensive void in the centre of the park.

Rice won possession in the middle third 4.76 times per 90 in the top flight this season, while Phillips did so 5.36 times per 90 in the 2021-22 campaign with Leeds — a league-leading total that year.

Regular role

Guardiola recently suggested that Phillips has to earn a place in City's XI but did not rule out a more regular role for the Yorkshireman going forward.

He said: "They have to earn my confidence. All of them, not just Kalvin, all of them how they perform. 

"Teams change a lot and players for previous seasons who were incredibly important but this season less important. It's how they perform, many things can happen."

Not ready yet

After the Premier League title win was confirmed, Phillips reflected on his lack of minutes at City. 

He said: "Yeah, [my relationship with Guardiola is] good. Obviously, this season has been filled with pressure, with me wanting to go in and to play, but [Guardiola] knows I'm not ready. 

"I knew that anyway and the way Rodri has been playing is unbelievable, so to try and squeeze my way into the team has been difficult." 

Malta match-up

Despite his lack of development this term, Phillips has remained in England boss Gareth Southgate's good books.

The 26-cap international was a key figure in England’s Euro 2020 run, starting every game as the Three Lions were beaten on penalties by Italy in the final at Wembley. 

Both his current and prospective employers will be looking on as he takes on Malta — and City will continue to weigh up whether to keep hold of him or allow him to join the Hammers.