Aston Villa willing to smash club-record transfer fee in attempt to beat West Ham to the signing of Manchester City midfielder

Two Premier League clubs could battle it out for Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips this summer, with Aston Villa willing to make the Englishman their club-record signing amid renewed interest from West Ham.

Phillips, who signed for Manchester City from Leeds United for an initial £42 million in July, signed a six-year deal at the Etihad Stadium.

The 27 year-old is yet to start a Premier League match for Pep Guardiola’s side this season and has featured on just 14 occasions in all competitions since signing from Elland Road.

The England international was hampered by injury at the start of the campaign, undergoing shoulder surgery for a recurring problem following a charity friendly against Barcelona at the Camp Nou in late August.

Phillips made his City debut against West Ham and was handed his first start in the Carabao Cup quarter-final defeat to Southampton in January, the midfielder has also made three appearances in the UEFA Champions League.

Amidst a notably difficult first season at the Etihad Stadium for the Englishman, a host of Premier League clubs are reportedly interested in signing the defensive midfielder in the summer.

Aston Villa and West Ham are two clubs showing keen interest in the former Leeds United star, with the Hammers preparing for the potential departure of club captain Declan Rice.

West Ham saw a £50 million bid rejected for Phillips during his time at Elland Road, however the East London club are reportedly ready to renew their interest in the midfielder.

The Evening Standard report that Phillips and Chelsea’s Connor Gallagher lead a shortlist of possible replacements for Rice, with West Ham ‘expected to act’ should either of the players potentially become available.

David Moyes faces the prospect of missing out on Phillips should he be allowed to leave Manchester City, as Aston Villa are claimed to be willing to break their transfer record to sign the England international.

Wayne Veysey writes that Villa have a ‘strong interest’ in Phillips and that they would be prepared to pay £45 million for the 27 year-old – the fee City would apparently demand.

Unai Emery is looking to guide Villa to a European spot this season and is expected to make a series of additions in the summer transfer window, including in midfield.

Leeds United and Everton have previously also shown an interest in the 27 year-old.

Phillips was though claimed last month to be “determined” to break into Pep Guardiola’s plans and “wants” to remain with the reigning Premier League champions next season.