By Gabriel Agbonlahor

23rd May, 2023 | 5:17am

Kalvin Phillips told to agree West Ham deal after source's Man City reveal - Agbonlahor

Gabby Agbonlahor has urged Man City midfielder Kalvin Phillips to force a move to “West Ham or Crystal Palace” in the upcoming transfer window.

The former Aston Villa striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the 27-year-old must leave the Etihad Stadium this summer if he wants to play for England at next year’s European Championships.

Sources told this site on 10 May that Phillips is keen to stay at Man City past this summer despite a disappointing first season with Pep Guardiola’s side.

He has made 19 appearances across all competitions this term – but has started just three times with Rodri by far Guardiola’s preferred defensive midfield option.

Phillips still has five years to run on the reported £150,000-a-week contract he signed after leaving Leeds last summer (2022).

Meanwhile, Football Insider has revealed (2 May) that West Ham are scouring the transfer market for a midfielder signing as they prepare for life after captain Declan Rice.

The Irons have previously been credited with an interest in Phillips.

Agbonlahor told Football Insider’s Charlotte Cohen: “Rodri isn’t in his 30s, he’s not going anywhere.

“He’s that good – Pep plays him in every game. Whether it’s a big FA Cup game, Carabao Cup game, or whatever.

“There have even been games where Rodri hasn’t started, but Gundogan slots into that position.

“Pep fits other players in before Kalvin Phillips.

“If I’m Phillips and I want to play in the European Championships next summer, I’m leaving in this transfer window.

“Go and play somewhere where you are the first name on the team sheet. A Crystal Palace, or a West Ham.

“If West Ham lose Declan Rice, they could get him in.

“You want to play football as a player, and he hasn’t done that this season.

“These are his peak years, and he needs to be playing football.”

In other news, David Moyes makes up his mind on quitting West Ham.