According to Mundo Deportivo, West Ham United is on the brink of finalizing the loan transfer of Kalvin Phillips from Manchester City. The Spanish news outlet reported on their website (dated January 19) that the Hammers have made significant strides in acquiring the English international.

Although Barcelona and Atletico Madrid were also linked with Phillips, it appears that a move to East London is now imminent, with an official announcement expected later today.

The London club is currently engaged in negotiations with Manchester City to secure the loan of the midfielder, who has been considered by Barcelona as an economical option to bolster their midfield,” they stated. “West Ham is actively pursuing the deal, and his loan could potentially be confirmed in the coming hours.”

The potential transfer of Phillips has been a subject of discussions for several years. David Moyes had made an attempt to sign him in January two years ago while he was still at Leeds. Although the move did not materialize and Phillips subsequently joined Manchester City, his tenure there has not been as successful, resulting in a loss of his place in the England squad.

West Ham is in need of a new central midfielder to enhance the depth and quality of their current options. With James Ward-Prowse, Tomas Soucek, Lucas Paqueta, and Edson Alvarez considered as starters in the strongest lineup, Phillips is expected to bring both hunger and a desire for regular game time. Moyes, a keen admirer of Phillips, likely has a plan for how to integrate him into the team, which could prove to be a significant positive development for the Hammers at this stage.