A West Ham insider has claimed Kalvin Phillips' decision to give a fan the middle finger on Saturday was 'completely out of character'.
The England international joined the Hammers on loan from Manchester City back in January, having struggled for game time at the Etihad Stadium.
Yet Phillips has toiled at the London Stadium, with the 28-year-old stuck in a rut.
The West Ham loanee gifted a goal to Dominic Solanke on his debut, was sent off against Nottingham Forest and gave a penalty away on Saturday in his side's 4-3 defeat to Newcastle.
West Ham news: Kalvin Phillips has been defended by an insider after swearing at a fan following the club's defeat to Newcastle on Saturday
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After the game, Phillips gave a fan the middle finger as he made his way onto the team bus.
And a West Ham insider, speaking to the Daily Mail, has claimed that act was 'completely out of character'.
While Phillips has failed to make his mark so far, it's not for a lack of trying.
The England star, who was recently dropped by Gareth Southgate for friendly matches against Brazil and Belgium, has tried everything to settle at his new club.
Phillips is living in Stratford, a short drive away from the London Stadium and the Hammers' Rush Green training facility.
His long-term partner Ashleigh and four-month old baby have also moved south to 'help him settle'.
Phillips is described as 'approachable and friendly' as ever at West Ham, despite the issues he's endured so far.
He is said to be 'applying himself' and working on his fitness.
But it's currently unclear what the future holds for a player who was vital for England at Euro 2020 three years ago.
The report says Manchester City want a fee in the region of £30million to get rid of Phillips permanently.
West Ham, as things stand, are unlikely to go that high.
There is talk of a potential return to Leeds, with Phillips previously shining during his stint at Elland Road.
But a fee of £30m could be too high for his old side, even if they're able to secure promotion back to the Premier League.
Phillips is in contention to feature for West Ham against Tottenham in their showdown at the London Stadium on Tuesday night (8.15pm).
And Hammers boss David Moyes, speaking in his pre-match press conference, has refused to criticise the midfielder for his swearing antics.
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West Ham news: Kalvin Phillips has toiled since his move from Man City back in the summer
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“Kalvin’s a human being and can do things which we all do at difficult times," he said.
“What he needs is support behind him, people to help him and we’re going to stand with him and help him as much as we possibly can.
"Obviously we need all our supporters to give all our players, whoever it is, their support.”
Moyes also insisted Phillips could yet to be a West Ham hit, despite his current struggles.
“He’s fine, he’s back training and we’ve all moved on from the weekend," he continued.
West Ham news: David Moyes has defended Kalvin Phillips ahead of his side's Premier League clash with Tottenham tonight
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"We’ve got a big game coming up and we’re getting ready for that now.
“Kalvin Phillips is a really good player, an international player and I do believe he is an excellent footballer.
"And I do believe we can still make something out of the time we’ve got left with him here.”
