‘Definitely’ - West Ham could break transfer record twice this summer - journalist

Leeds United duo Raphinha and Kalvin Phillips will be more realistic transfer targets for West Ham over the summer if they qualify for the Champions League this season, claims transfer expert Pete O’Rourke (via GiveMeSport).

West Ham fans endured an excruciatingly quiet transfer window in January. However, the Irons board did make a last-ditch attempt to sign Leeds duo Raphinha and Phillips.

According to MailOnline, the Hammers had a club-record £55million bid rejected for England international Phillips on deadline day.

Leeds further rejected an approach for dazzling winger Raphinha, who GSB were also willing to break their club transfer-record for.

According to O’Rourke, the possibility of West Ham signing both Raphinha and Phillips will become far more realistic if the east London club secure a top four finish in the league.

Speaking to GiveMeSport, he proclaimed:

“Definitely would be more realistic if West Ham can offer the likes of Raphinha or Kalvin Phillips Champions League football.

“That’s where all the top footballers want to play. They want to play in the Champions League.”

With Leeds’ reluctance to let either one of their star players leave in January, it seems unlikely that this rhetoric will change come the end of the season, especially if the Irons have to break their transfer record twice.

According to journalist Jacque Talbot, who writes for the likes of The Mirror and The Guardian, both Raphinha and Phillips are in discussions with the Whites over contract renewals.

Therefore, if the Hammers choose to go back in for the pair, they could well be met by two massive price tags, especially if other big clubs jump into the race and start a bidding war.

In other news: Real Madrid may join race for West Ham