The Liverpool Echo claim that a deal for Newcastle to sign Liverpool defender Nat Phillips would be an initial loan – with an obligation to sign the Englishman in the summer. He is rated at a fee of £15million.
Phillips, 24, has only been afforded three senior appearances by Jurgen Klopp this season – despite his superb breakthrough form last term at Anfield. The player spoke of his desire to leave the club in December.
The signing of Ibrahima Konate has pushed Phillips down the pecking order and a move before January’s deadline seems more than likely. It was reported on Tuesday that Newcastle had opened talks for Phillips.
Now, the Echo report an update in Newcastle’s pursuit of Phillips – stating that a deal will be an initial loan, with an obligation to buy. But that obligation will only come in to force, if Newcastle survive relegation.
Phillips to Newcastle: Loan deal saves Liverpool star
There is a real possibility, despite the 1-0 win over Leeds, that Newcastle could suffer relegation this season. Phillips looks like the kind of player ready-made, and battle-hardened, for a scrap at the bottom.
But Phillips has already shown that he is good enough to play in the Premier League, shining with Liverpool last season. A loan deal will only become permanent if they stay up and that saves Phillips.
It means that if the Toon do go down, at least he will not be playing Championship football. While it might seem unfair on Newcastle, they will be desperate to get a defender in and might have to compromise.
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