Star’s age and injury record dictated Hammers bid

(Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

CandH Exclusive by Hughie Southon

West Ham’s bid for Kalvin Phillips was considered very low at £50 million by some people – notably Simon Jordan on talkSPORT.

However, a look at Phillips’ age and injury track record over the last couple of season had a lot to do with that when the Irons went in for the midfielder.

The club also believed that as a good pal of Declan’s, who works well with him, it might be an encouragement for the captain to sign a new deal!

Jordan had hammered the Irons attempt but the reasoning behind the bid was calculated on that injury record and age.

The Hammers had attempted to do the deal earlier than the last day but given the new David Moyes leak proof approach to transfer windows didn’t give news of it until close to the end of deadline day.

The Hammers are aware that with Leeds heading into the relegation area and a drop from the 15th position possible it was worth trying to get the England international.

But that also worked against us with the Whites deciding they needed the player probably for that very reason although he has been missing for nine games with a hamstring injury and last appeared on December.

They will no doubt try again in the summer but other clubs are now set to join the chase.