West Ham were "genuinely interested" in signing Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips, says Daily Star journalist Paul Brown.
The east London club may have now missed the boat with that one, but Brown thinks it shows ambition, and he expects manager David Moyes to continue looking for a midfield upgrade.
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What is the latest news involving Phillips?
Manchester City look to be leading the race for Phillips. Pep Guardiola is searching for a replacement for the outgoing Fernandinho and the Leeds star seems to be the man he wants.
According to The Athletic, City are confident that Phillips wants to join and believe a bid of up to £50m could do the trick.
The above comes after West Ham tried to sign the 26-year-old in the January transfer window.
Multiple outlets, including The Guardian, claimed that a £50m offer went in for Phillips, while it was reported that the Hammers also made an approach for his team-mate Raphinha.
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What has Brown said about West Ham?
Brown believes West Ham have been showing ambition in the transfer market and says their interest in Phillips is proof of Moyes trying to improve the squad.
Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the Daily Star journalist said: "There is some ambition from West Ham in the transfer market. They are targeting players that I think some West Ham fans might not have expected them to go for before.
"They were genuinely interested in Kalvin Phillips, so it's clear that Moyes wants an upgrade in that area of the pitch."
Which other midfielders could West Ham target this summer?
West Ham recently confirmed the signing of defender Nayef Aguerd, so you would expect them to target a new midfielder and forward now.
Given City's interest in Phillips, the England international no longer looks to be on the table. However, his Three Lions team-mates James Ward-Prowse and Conor Gallagher are two other names who have been linked with moves to the London Stadium.
Writing for the Daily Star back in May, Brown said West Ham were one team who were keen on Gallagher following his successful loan spell at Crystal Palace, while the Daily Mirror recently claimed that Moyes is targeting Ward-Prowse.
Whether West Ham can actually pull off either signing remains to be seen, but Moyes does indeed seem intent on improving his side in the middle of the park, which is a positive thing.