‘One of the worst’ - Newcastle United dodge bullet as transfer target slammed for poor start

Anton Ferdinand has ripped into Kalvin Phillips for enduring “one of the worst” starts to life as a West Ham United player.

The England international attracted interest from several Premier League clubs throughout the January transfer window. Newcastle United were understood to be considering an approach for Phillips as Eddie Howe aimed to bolster his engine room.

Midfield has proven a problem area for the Magpies this season, with injuries and suspension taking their toll amid a hectic fixture list. Recent times have resulted in Bruno Guimaraes, Sean Longstaff and Lewis Miley being the only fit midfielders.

But Manchester City’s asking price repelled interest from Toon chiefs - who decided against bringing anyone in. NewcastleWorld understands City were demanding around £6million to take Phillips on loan for the rest of the season.

West Ham ultimately got the deal over the line as the 28-year-old aims to improve his Euro 2024 hopes. However, Phillips has suffered a nightmare start to life at the London Stadium.

After just three minutes against Bournemouth, the midfielder was dispossessed on the edge of his box before Dominic Solanke fired home an opener. He came off the bench in the 3-0 defeat to Manchester United at the weekend but was caught out again in the build-up to the third goal.

Red Devils supporters were also captured giving Phillips stick regarding his weight as he warmed up on the touchline. Speaking to Vibe with Five, former West Ham defender Ferdinand slammed Phillips for his poor displays so far - an indication that Newcastle dodged a bullet last month.

“It was one of the worst debuts I’ve ever seen in terms of ball retention in those first 25 or 30 minutes,” he said. “He lost the ball about five times after that (mistake) with 10-yard passes. You’ve got to get him fit. You can train as much as you want - you only get fit playing games.”