David Ornstein has revealed that there have been suggestions made about seeing Manchester City potentially include Kalvin Phillips in a swap deal for Declan Rice.
After seeing Arsenal have two bids rejected by West Ham United for the midfielder, it was then reported that the Citizens are preparing their own bid.
As things stand, one journalist has shared some details on the current situation surrounding Rice and specifically, how one current City player could be involved in a potential deal for the Hammers star.
Ornstein hints at potential swap deal for Rice
Speaking in a recent edition of FIVE Insider, Ornstein said this on the matter.
He said: “I think West Ham, who are the winners in this situation, they will be open to all scenarios I suspect, whether that’s straight cash or players in the opposite direction.
“There have been reports that West Ham have asked for some Arsenal players as well as the money, but so far it has just been money from Arsenal’s perspective.
“There were reports of Manchester United coming in with money plus players, I think there is an element of truth in that, but I don’t know if it has developed, and when Manchester City’s interest emerged, Kalvin Phillips’ name did come up in dispatches, to my knowledge Kalvin Phillips wants to stay at Manchester City.”
Prior to joining City last summer in a deal worth £45m, Phillips saw a £50m bid for him rejected by Leeds United from West Ham in the 2022 January transfer window.
This shows why the City midfielder’s name has apparently been mentioned in a potential swap deal for Rice, who has been described as a “world class” player by journalist Adrian Durham, this summer and why this could appeal to the east London club.
Bearing in mind how Phillips only started four games for Pep Guardiola’s side last season, this could make a move to West Ham this summer give him the opportunity to play more often, especially if Rice’s potential arrival at the Etihad decreases his chances of playing regularly next season.
However, as Ornstein mentioned, the 27-year-old recently spoke about how much he wants to stay at City and fight to become more prominent in the team, which could mean that the club may just have to use a significant financial offer to land the West Ham player this summer.
