West Ham reportedly made a last-ditch attempt to sign Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips during the January window.
The Hammers are believed to have made a £50million bid to land the 26-year-old (Sky Sports) but saw the offer firmly rejected.
In what was billed as an audacious double swoop, David Moyes also went in pursuit of Leeds star Raphinha.
Speaking to Football Insider, former Aston Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor has stated that the offer for Phillips was not even close to what would be required.
Leeds are not going to negotiate on Phillips unless it is around £70million and then I think they’ll accept. He’s a quality player with time on his side. West Ham are a million miles off it. They don’t even need Phillips, they’ve got Declan Rice.
So far this season the Leeds-born ace has earned a 6.80 average Sofascore rating from 12 league outings.
Currently absent with a hamstring issue, the 19-cap England man starred for the Three Lions alongside Declan Rice at Euro 2020.
READ WEST HAM VERDICT
Holding a market value of £36million and under contract Elland Road until 2024 (Transfermarkt), the original offer always seemed unlikely to get the deal done – especially so late in the window.
Moreover, the perceived interest is fascinating when you consider the partnership Rice has forged with Tomas Soucek over the past 18 months.
At 26, time isn’t necessarily on Phillips’ side to make a big move and at present, there is little doubt West Ham are a more appealing proposition in terms of European opportunities than Leeds.
