Liverpool have rejected a loan-to-buy bid from Newcastle United for defender Nathaniel Phillips ahead of Monday’s transfer deadline.
That’s according to The Independent, who claim that Phillips is attracting interest from two clubs ahead of the transfer deadline.
It’s stated that Liverpool have received a loan bid from Newcastle, which would have included an obligation to buy in the summer.
Add in that Watford have failed with a £7million bid and Liverpool are seemingly holding out for better offers.
Newcastle desperately need at least one centre back, possibly even two before Monday’s deadline.
Phillips has been on their radar throughout the January window but they will now need to come up with a better offer.
It’s also worth noting that Newcastle boss Eddie Howe is close with Michael Edwards, the man who runs Liverpool’s transfer business.
The pair know each other from their time together at Portsmouth, and we saw Howe sign a number of Liverpool players during his time at Bournemouth.
That may mean that there is a real chance for Newcastle to get a deal done for Phillips, with a clear line of communication between the two clubs.
Phillips, 24, has only ever managed 24 appearances for Liverpool’s first team but is now valued in the range of eight figures.
Phillips stepped in admirably last season, helping Liverpool through their defensive injury crisis whilst impressing in the Premier League.
Branded ‘colossal’ last season, Phillips earned major praise for his approach to defending; if you asked Phillips to head a brick out of his penalty area, he’d probably do it.
That’s the kind of attitude Newcastle need in their back line if they’re going to stay in the Premier League, with Phillips a no-nonsense, old-fashioned centre back.
With a deal for Diego Carlos seemingly faltering, don’t be surprised if Newcastle pull off a late deal for Phillips.
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