A report from iNews claims Liverpool defender Nat Phillips is high on Eddie Howe’s January shortlist – and Liverpool are open to offers. It is believed £15million would be enough for Newcastle to sign the Reds outcast.
Phillips, 24, broke into Liverpool’s side last season, sparkling under Jurgen Klopp – in the absence of Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip. But van Dijk, Gomez and Matip are fit again – and Ibrahima Konate has joined.
It has limited the no-nonsense centre-back to just three senior appearances for the Reds – one of which was a minute-long outing against Atletico Madrid. He starred against Milan in a 2-1 win at the San Siro in December.
He needs a move and iNews reports that Liverpool are willing to ‘listen to offers’ for Phillips. A fee of £15million is needed, and the £65,000-a-week defender (Spotrac) is said to be high on Howe’s centre-back shortlist.
Newcastle eye Phillips: Liverpool defender has got to move to Toon
Newcastle have brought in Kieran Trippier and Chris Wood so far this month. They are expected to improve options at centre-back, left-back, midfield and perhaps, even another striker.
The new owners have seemingly targeted bringing in proven Premier League players to fight against the drop. Trippier and Wood are prime examples, they do not need time to get used to the Premier League.
While Phillips has not had a lot of game time, the majority of his playing time has come in the Premier League. Not only that, but he is the perfect type of centre-back for England’s top tier – and a relegation scrap.
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