West Ham are keen to explore a potential swap-deal for Declan Rice with Manchester City that would see Kalvin Phillips move in the opposite direction to the London Stadium.
Manchester City are understood to hold an interest in signing Rice this summer, but are yet to table a bid with Arsenal viewed as frontrunners to land the England international.
West Ham have reluctantly accepted that Rice will depart, but have turned down two offers from Arsenal, the second of which was worth around £90m including add-ons.
ESPN are reporting that West Ham now want to explore a potential swap-deal with Manchester City, with the Hammers interested in bringing Kalvin Phillips to the club. David Moyes is a long-term admirer of the 27-year-old, who struggled for opportunities during a difficult debut season at City.
Phillips featured for just 291 minutes in the Premier League last season, but this week insisted he intends to remain at the Etihad.
“My intention is to stay there,” Phillips said.
“We have just won the treble, so there is no reason for me to leave, other than if I am not playing 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’. I came to Manchester City to win trophies and we won the trophies, but I didn’t play as much as I wanted to do.
“With England I played a little bit, but was ruled out through injuries as well. It is just nice to be back fit. I have nothing to worry about now. Everything is fine with my body. I will continue to work hard next season and hopefully do well when I go back to City.”
West Ham will hope to convince Phillips with the promise of regular first-team football, as the midfielder looks to retain his place in the England squad ahead of next summer’s European Championship.
