By Frank McAvennie

30th Apr, 2023 | 1:59pm

'I would love him at West Ham' - Expert urges club to complete Kalvin Phillips deal

Frank McAvennie has suggested Liverpool may not need Jude Bellingham if they sign Kalvin Phillips.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former West Ham striker said with Phillips alongside a fit Thiago Alcantara, the Reds could solve their midfield problems.

Earlier this month (12 April), sources told this site that Man City could sanction the 27-year-old’s exit if they sign Bellingham this summer.

City are pushing hard to get a deal done for the 19-year-old star and may need to sell Phillips in order to meet Financial Fair Play regulations.

Liverpool have previously ruled themselves out of a deal for the Borussia Dortmund star but are now back in contact with the midfielder as they look to lay the groundwork for a 2024 deal.

According to the Daily Star (25 April), Jurgen Klopp’s side are keen on signing Phillips in a £35million deal this summer after they were priced out of a move for Bellingham this year.

McAvennie said adding Phillips could be the perfect alternative.

“He is a good player, I would love him at West Ham if and when Declan [Rice] leaves,” he told Football Insider.

“He is not going to get a game at Man City. I think he would do well sitting in alongside Thiago and letting him spray the passes about.

“He is an England international, he is not there for nothing, he is a decent player.

“I think if they get a fit Thiago, put Phillips in there, they might not need Bellingham.“

In other news, Liverpool move for five new signings in big spending spree.