“Hopefully…” – David Moyes reveals Kalvin Phillips decision ahead of West Ham summer transfer dilemma

West Ham United manager David Moyes has discussed Kalvin Philips’ start to life at the London Stadium after a January transfer to the Hammers.

The 28-year-old completed a loan move to east London for the remainder of the current campaign in January, choosing to sign for West Ham despite interest from a host of other Premier League clubs, including Newcastle United and Fulham.

Phillips’ exit from the Etihad Stadium came amid concern for his place within Gareth Southgate’s England squad, with the Englishman having made just six starts for Manchester City since signing for the Sky Blues in July 2022.

Despite winning three trophies including the Premier League and UEFA Champions League during his maiden campaign at Manchester City, Phillips made just 31 appearances over an 18-month spell with Pep Guardiola’s squad.

Phillips, who incidentally made his Blues debut against West Ham, wasn’t handed a Premier League start by Guardiola until a clash with Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium in May.

The midfielder have made five appearances for the Hammers since moving to the London Stadium, and also featured in their UEFA Europa League last-16 first-leg loss on Thursday evening.

Phillips made his West Ham debut against Bournemouth, and was also sent off during a loss to Nottingham Forest last month.

Although some were quick to criticise his first performances for West Ham, manager David Moyes has hinted that Phillips is growing in confidence and improving.

“He didn’t necessarily need to be improved, he just needed game time and that takes a bit of time,” said Moyes.

“Kalvin (Phillips) will continue to improve with the more game time he gets and he is showing that at the moment. Hopefully we can bring him along and get him back to the level where he was in recent seasons.”

Phillips’ future beyond the current season is subject to doubt, with the midfielder’s contract not including an obligation to make the transfer to West Ham permanent.

Manchester City are potentially set to renew interest in Hammers star Lucas Paqueta this summer, opening up the possibility of Phillips to be included within the deal.