Glen Johnson believes Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips would be a good signing for West Ham but is unsure whether he is capable of replacing Declan Rice. Rice could reportedly be on his way out of the Hammers this summer after rejecting a third contract offer from the club.
David Moyes has already confirmed West Ham’s valuation of Rice at £150 million, but if contract talks continue to hit an impasse then the board may decide to sell him. Rice’s departure from East London would leave a huge hole in Moyes’ side after establishing himself as one of the best defensive midfielders in the world over the last couple of seasons.
West Ham were linked with Phillips back in the January window and reportedly launched a £50 million that was swiftly rejected by Leeds. Phillips and Rice has been Gareth Southgate’s preferred midfield partnership for England in the last 18 months, building up an excellent relationship both on and off the pitch.
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But if the Hammers are forced into selling Rice this summer, then Phillips may be replacing rather than joining Rice at the London Stadium if he is indeed a target for Moyes. But speaking to BettingOdds.com, former West Ham defender Johnson claimed that Phillips is not on the same level as Rice.
He said: “It would soften the blow as he’s a good player but he’s not Declan Rice. If they do sign someone to directly replace him then it’s going to be a tough job for whoever that is. Kalvin Phillips would be a good signing for West Ham, but like I said, he’s just not Declan Rice.”
