Former England international Carlton Palmer believes Leeds midfielder Kalvin Phillips would join West Ham if it becomes a straight battle between the Hammers and Aston Villa for his services.

The likes of Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal and Newcastle have also been mentioned as potential suitors, but Villa are said to be the team who are the keenest to rival West Ham for Phillips’s signature currently. Palmer feels that if it is a choice between the two teams, the player would probably move to the London Stadium:

“Kalvin Phillips is going to be an interesting one because he’s been out injured for quite a while, but he has had a fantastic time for Leeds and his country, England. It comes down to where, realistically, you see Villa finishing and if another side comes in – like West Ham – for Phillips, would he choose Villa over West Ham? I’m not so sure.”

Phillips is expected to be on the move this summer. Talks over extending his stay at Elland Road beyond 2024 have reportedly stalled and Leeds are likely to demand £60m for the 26-year-old when the transfer window opens.

Reliable reports have confirmed that the Irons were keen on Phillips in January but it remains to be seen whether they will also make an official bid at the end of the season.