Newcastle, Burnley and West Ham United have approached Liverpool to discuss a January transfer for Nat Phillips, with the defender David Moyes’ top target, according to TEAMtalk.
Moyes is determined to strengthen the Hammers’ centre-back options after losing Angelo Ogbonna and Kurt Zouma to long-term injuries. The former required surgery for a season-ending cruciate ligament injury, while Zouma faces 12-weeks out with a hamstring issue.
West Ham’s situation has left Craig Dawson and Issa Diop as Moyes’ only available options. So, the Scot has shuffled Phillips to the top of his shortlist as he seeks a way out of Anfield.
Phillips is determined to quit Liverpool in the January transfer window after falling down Jurgen Klopp’s pecking order. He made his mark on Merseyside last season while Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip suffered with injuries, but their returns have proven costly.
The Reds also added Ibrahima Konate this summer to further damage Phillips’ chances of game time. So, he will look to leave Anfield once the market starts in search of minutes.
Klopp may yet deny Phillips his Liverpool transfer exit
West Ham, Newcastle and Burnley have now approached Liverpool to sound out a transfer for Phillips. The trio of clubs are all making pushes for a deal, with the Irons eying another season with European qualification while the Toon and Clarets strive to avoid relegation.
Klopp may deny Moyes, Eddie Howe and Sean Dyche a winter deal, however. The German is reluctant to weaken his squad given the threat of losing players to injury or coronavirus.
The Reds boss was also full of praise for Phillips’ efforts while standing in as his surprise star last season. He told BBC Sport: “He’s a brilliant guy: smart guy, intelligent, everything. He’s not easy on the eye – he’s not Messi, but who cares? In the air, he’s a monster!”
Liverpool retaining Phillips could deal a big blow to Burnley, Newcastle and West Ham’s transfer plans. Especially Moyes’ with the Scot now deeming the 24-year-old his top target.
West Ham and Newcastle step up interest in Bolton-born enforcer
The Evening Standard had already reported West Ham were ready to step up their interest in the Bolton-born enforcer. They also suspect the Reds will sell for £10m if Klopp gives the green light. But Newcastle have also ramped up their pursuit of the 6 ft 3 centre-back.
Prior reports by The Telegraph cited Newcastle’s interest in Phillips, but only as one of their defensive transfer targets. Now, the Toon and Irons have both made enquiries into a deal.
Howe and Moyes will be waiting on tenterhooks for Klopp’s decision with the sales starting soon. Both need new central defensive options next month, and Phillips is keen to move.
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