West Ham United star admits January move to Newcastle United was a 'possibility' after £7m talks

Kalvin Phillips admits joining Newcastle United on loan during the January transfer window was a "possibility".

The 28-year-old was granted permission to leave Premier League champions Manchester City last month and the Magpies were among the teams to show interest amid their shortage of midfielders.

However, United baulked at Man City's reported £7million loan fee as they aim to comply with Premier League Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR). Phillips went on to join West Ham United on a straight loan until the end of the campaign.

The 28-year-old's decision to exit the Etihad Stadium boiled down to his hopes of being named in England's Euro 2024 squad this summer. Phillips spoke to Gareth Southgate prior to his departure and told him the teams that were interested.

“I spoke to him about a few teams," said Phillips. "Juventus were there … I think they were going to leave it until the last minute. I mentioned Newcastle, which could have been a possibility. I knew that West Ham would probably come in a bit later.

“He told me that he wasn’t going to tell me what to do but he said the Premier League is a lot more difficult, a more competitive league. He said to be playing in the Premier League versus playing anywhere else … it’s just that little bit of a step down in quality. So yeah, he influenced me to stay in England. And when West Ham came in, I thought it was the right place to go.

“It was just the size of the club and the manager [David Moyes] influenced me a lot. He told me he’d wanted me for the last few transfer windows. I felt like if I wasn’t going to play at City, I want to go to a club where I’m wanted. Not that City didn’t want me but I wanted to go somewhere where the manager was really keen and where he really wanted me.

“I spoke as well to Declan [Rice, his England teammate and the former West Ham captain] and he said it’s a massive family club. That’s what I’m all about. I want to feel like I’m at home wherever I go.”