West Ham eye Liverpool man in January to replace injured star

Few clubs in all of European football have enjoyed quite as much success as West Ham United in the opening months of the season. 

The Hammers have punched above their weight in both the Premier League and the Europa League, and currently sit fourth in the league table having already qualified for the knockout stages in Europe.

David Moyes’ side fell to a narrow defeat to reigning Premier League champions Manchester City on Sunday, with Fernandinho’s last-minute goal enough to give the Citizens victory.

Despite disappointment on Sunday, the Hammers are still in with a chance of competing for a top-four spot and a place in next season’s Champions League.

However, the Hammers have been hindered by an injury sustained by Angelo Ogbonna, with the Italian set to be out for the remainder of the season after suffering an ACL injury.

Ogbonna will miss the rest of the season.

With the experienced defender unlikely to play again this season, Moyes has now reportedly set his sights on a Premier League defender to provide cover at the heart of his defence.

As per Football Insider, Liverpool defender Nathaniel Phillips has emerged as a target for West Ham, who could make a move for the 24-year-old in January.

With only Craig Dawson, Kurt Zouma and Issa Diop as senior centre-backs, Moyes is keen to add another option as his side face a gruelling fixture schedule in the new year.

The report suggests that Phillips, who is behind Virgil van Dijk, Joel Matip, Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez in the pecking order at Anfield, could be allowed to leave for as little as £12 million.

Phillips has had to wait patiently this term.

The Englishman impressed for the Reds when called upon last term, with Van Dijk and Gomez both out injured for the majority of the season.

Despite making 18 starts for the Reds across all competitions last term, Phillips has only played 45 minutes of senior football for the club this season, in the Carabao Cup against Preston North End.

Phillips’ immediate future could depend on Joe Gomez’ fitness, with the Englishman once again struggling for fitness and yet to start a match this season.

If Gomez remains sidelined, Phillips’ departure from Anfield may be blocked.