Some Liverpool fans have been urging Jurgen Klopp’s side to keep Nat Phillips amid reports by talkSPORT, claiming Brighton are interested in a transfer for the defender this summer.
The Seagulls are lining up a £15m move to sign Phillips as Graham Potter seeks a replacement for Ben White. Arsenal will advance their interest in the England international once he returns from his post-Euros holiday, with a £50m deal on the table.
Brighton hope to lure Phillips to the south coast after Liverpool told the centre-half that he can leave. The Reds have let the 24-year-old know they will not stand in his way if the chance to play regular first-team football elsewhere appears ahead of the new season.
Phillips would face a fraught task establishing a prominent role in Klopp’s plans at Anfield were he to stay. Liverpool have added Ibrahima Konate to the German’s centre-back ranks that already featured Virgil van Dijk, Joel Matip and Joe Gomez – who are all back fit.
Van Dijk has not featured since October having required surgery after damaging anterior cruciate ligaments. Gomez has not featured since November, either, after he ruptured his patella tendon while on England duty.
Matip, likewise, missed much of last season after suffering with various issues including thigh, groin, back and ankle injuries. They held the 29-year-old to only 10 Premier League appearances. Yet the Cameroonian will likely be allowed to stay, while Phillips can leave.
Liverpool fans react to Brighton interest in Phillips
But some Liverpool fans have urged Klopp to retain Phillips amid reports of Brighton lining up a £15m offer. The bid would likely be accepted, as well, with the Daily Mail reporting last month that the Reds had set that as their asking price.
However, some Reds supporters on social media believe Phillips should stay at Anfield. That’s because they believe he can provide Klopp with the cover he will inevitably need if Matip or Gomez suffer any further injuries.
They also note the impact he delivered in the Premier League last season to help secure Champions League football. Phillips started 15 of his 17 top-flight outings and helped to keep seven clean sheets, scored against Burnley and assisted against Manchester United.
So, here are some of the messages shared…
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