Barcelona consider a loan move for Kalvin Phillips ‘too expensive’ and have not approached Manchester City regarding a deal for the midfielder.
Phillips is expected to leave Manchester City before the closure of the January transfer window after a difficult 18 months at the Etihad. The England international has started two games in all competitions this season and has been informed that he does not feature in Pep Guardiola’s plans.
Several major European clubs have been linked with a move to sign the 28-year-old, though City’s demands for a loan agreement have limited potential suitors.
Juventus withdrew their interest due to the conditions of a deal and Fabrizio Romano is reporting that Barcelona are also not prepared to sign Phillips with the current fees involved.
That news will be a major boost to West Ham, who are ‘pushing’ to sign Phillips this month. The Hammers are long-term admirers of Phillips and are keen to beat competition from Premier League rivals including Newcastle, Crystal Palace and Fulham to sign the midfielder this month.
Phillips is keen to secure regular first-team football as he looks to retain his place in the England squad ahead of this summer’s European Championship. Gareth Southgate has continued to include the midfielder in recent squads despite his lack of football for Manchester City, given the absence of specialist defensive midfield cover.
