West Ham United achieved a significant breakthrough in their pursuit of Kalvin Phillips on Tuesday, as reported by The Athletic. According to the report, West Ham reached an agreement with Manchester City for a potential loan deal for Phillips, with an option to make the move permanent in the summer if the Hammers agree to meet City’s valuation, as disclosed by David Ornstein.

However, West Ham’s activity in the January transfer window doesn’t seem to stop there. The Guardian indicates that the club has further signings in mind. The report suggests that the Hammers continue to seek a left-sided forward, especially with Lucas Paqueta currently sidelined due to injury. Although West Ham had initially targeted a center-back earlier in the month, the report doesn’t clarify whether this pursuit is ongoing or placed on hold.

The addition of attacking reinforcements would be welcomed by West Ham, especially given the recent spate of injuries in the forward positions. The Hammers didn’t replace Gianluca Scamacca in the summer, relying on Jarrod Bowen and Michail Antonio in the forward roles. However, with Antonio sidelined due to injury alongside Paqueta, and Mohammed Kudus at the Africa Cup of Nations with Ghana, West Ham’s attacking depth is under strain.

Numerous forwards have been linked with a move to West Ham in the ongoing transfer window, including Victor Boniface, Ibrahim Osman, and Armando Broja. With just over a week remaining in the transfer window, there is anticipation regarding potential developments in West Ham’s pursuit of new signings. The coming days will reveal whether the Hammers can secure new additions to bolster their squad.