Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson makes Kalvin Phillips admission after Man City loanee makes West Ham switch

Roy Hodgson says it became impossible for Crystal Palace to compete with West Ham for Kalvin Phillips’ signature once the Hammers entered the race to sign the midfielder.

The 28-year-old completed a six-month switch to the London Stadium from Manchester City, with the England international keen on regular game time ahead of the European Championships in the summer.

Palace were in the market for a midfielder after Cheick Doucoure suffered a torn Achilles tendon injury in the 2-1 defeat at Luton in November.

Hodgson said: “You know our interest in Kalvin Phillips. 

“We did think a player like him would be an ideal person to step into Cheick Doucoure’s shoes and bring his talent, quality and experience to us.

“He would have really helped us to get back to that midfield we were so pleased at the end of last season and the start of this season.

“It’s not easy to find the right person. Phillips became impossible for us when West Ham showed their hand and wanted to take him – he preferred to go there. We have to accept that.

“Now it’s an area that I know the club are thinking about and would possibly like to help strengthen. 

“But, who with? And is that player going to strengthen us? We’re right back in that ball park which is the ball park that Doug Freedman and Steve Parish occupy.

“I can just wait. If something comes along and the club can do something, I’ll be very grateful.

“But I don’t seriously believe our season is totally and utterly dependent on that. We have the players to pull us through.”