West Ham news: Phillips backs Hugill for Hammers exit

Kevin Phillips has claimed that it is “obvious” Jordan Hugill will leave West Ham at some point in the near future.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider correspondent Jason Jones, the former England hitman suggested that it is time for the 28-year-old to go and find a club where he can play regular first team football again.

As revealed by Football Insider earlier this week, the Hammers are in advanced talks with Norwich City to allow a permanent transfer that would be worth around £5 million. 

And Phillips has argued that he could be a real asset for any Championship club aiming to win promotion to the top flight next season.

Speaking to Football Insider, he said: “Coming to West Ham was a great move for the lad at the time, but I think there were a few eyebrows raised when it did happen. For some players, it just doesn’t work.

“He’s had a good couple of seasons there, he’s been on decent money. Now, for me, it’s time. Go and play football. Go and find the club now where you can maybe fall back in love with the game, score some goals.

“He’s a handful on his day, he gets goals, he can hold the ball up, he can run. Any club in the Championship with ambitions of getting promoted, that could be a good signing for someone.

“For me, it’s quite an obvious one that the player will move at some point.”

Hugill signed for the Hammers from Preston North End in a deal worth just over £9 million.

He spent last season on loan at QPR, scoring 15 goals across all competitions for the Championship outfit.

In other news, Moyes has made a U-turn over signing 27-times England international.