David Moyes is still keen on signing Liverpool centre-half Nat Phillips in the January transfer window, amid doubt in West Ham United luring Duje Caleta-Car from Marseille this month.
That’s according to the Evening Standard, who note the Hammers remain in the market for defensive reinforcements. The London Stadium natives are keen to strengthen their central options before Monday’s deadline, as Moyes looks to fill his Angelo Ogbonna-shaped void.
West Ham have targeted centre-halves since losing Ogbonna for the remainder of the term through injury in November. The Italian required surgery after suffering a cruciate ligament injury during the Irons’ 3-2 win at home to Liverpool.
Moyes’ options then dwindled to only Issa Diop and Craig Dawson in December after Kurt Zouma suffered a hamstring injury. So, West Ham made a centre-back transfer a priority. Moyes also remains keen on adding to his options, despite Zouma returning last Saturday.
Moyes still wants Liverpool’s Phillips amid West Ham doubt in Caleta-Car deal
Liverpool defender Phillips still features on Moyes’ January shopping list, as West Ham look to secure a late transfer. The 24-year-old is yet to leave Anfield, despite expressing a desire to depart Merseyside this month. He is eager to play more regularly than so far this term.
Jurgen Klopp has only fielded the Bolton-born enforcer – who Jamie Redknapp has called ‘unbelievable’ – three times so far this season. He is also yet to deploy Phillips in a Premier League fixture all term.
Phillips has also been out since December after sustaining a fracture to his cheekbone. The Mirror report he is now closing in on a return and could feature again come early February.
Moyes may have to overlook Phillips’ injury to sign the Liverpool centre-half as West Ham may struggle to land a transfer for Marseille’s Caleta-Car. The 25-year-old – who has been on the Irons’ radar for some time – is currently most likely to remain in France .
West Ham have held talks with Marseille to discuss a potential loan transfer for Caleta-Car, per Sky Sports. The deal would have featured an option to buy the Croatian at the end of the season. But his Ligue 1 outfit only want to sell Caleta-Car now for around €20m (£17m).
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