West Ham transfer news: Kalvin Phillips, Leeds plan surfaces with ‘best’ Guardiola has seen also eyed

West Ham plan to partner Declan Rice with an elite English midfielder this summer and a report has detailed why it could be Kalvin Phillips or James Ward-Prowse.

The Hammers have enjoyed successive encouraging seasons under David Moyes. Doubts were expressed as to how they would cope with the added burden of European football. However, West Ham took that challenge in stride and remained in the mix for European qualification while simultaneously reaching the Europa League semi-finals.

While their adventure came to an end in Frankfurt, they are all but assured of qualifying for Europe again next season.

Whether that’s the Europa League of Europa Conference League is yet to be determined. Regardless, Moyes will need adequate strength in depth and club captain Mark Noble is poised to depart at season’s end.

Few positions are as important as central midfield and per the Sun, West Ham are ready to make a splash.

They report the Hammers hope to sign either Leeds’ Kalvin Phillips or Southampton’s James Ward-Prowse. Bur rather than to replace the exit-linked Declan Rice, Moyes hopes to partner one of the pair with his talisman.

Rice was recently offered an eight-year extension to stay at the club. He is expected to spurn that deal, though West Ham are in a strong position nevertheless. Rice’s current deal runs until 2024 and the club have an option for a further 12 months.

Phillips is also a target for Manchester United and Aston Villa. His loyalties to his boyhood club make a deal difficult, though relegation would offer the suitors hope.

Failing to beat the drop could also see Phillips’ price tag slashed. Leeds currently lay in 18th position.

West Ham bid £50m for Phillips in January. Per the Sun, they are ready to test the