Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson has revealed the reason that he failed to sign Kalvin Phillips, and it will delight West Ham fans.

It is almost impossible to become a fan favourite without even stepping on the pitch but, somehow, Kalvin Phillips has managed that at West Ham. The midfielder oozes class and you just can’t help but get a smile on your face when you hear how enthusiastic he is about playing for the club.

In fairness, this has always been the case (you would be hard pressed to find anyone who has a bad word to say about him) but as the days go by the loanee becomes more and more adored by the East London faithful. 

Most recently, it is actually Roy Hodgson who has given fans a reason to love Phillips. Crystal Palace were said to be extremely keen on taking the Manchester City man on loan, but there is only one reason they failed to do so.

“Phillips became impossible for us when West Ham showed their hand and wanted to take him,” the manager revealed. “He preferred to go there, we have to accept that.”

Undoubtedly, the fact that he chose to sign for West Ham when he will have to really fight for a place in their midfield over Palace is a brilliant sign for things to come. Phillips knows exactly the challenges he will face at the London Stadium but he is clearly prepared to face them head on.

If he can be as classy on the pitch as he is off the pitch then West Ham fans may have found the perfect midfielder.