The Times claim Brendan Rodgers is set to raid his old club Liverpool to lure Nat Phillips to Celtic this summer – amid reports that Leeds United were interested, and even in advanced talks at one stage.
Phillips, 26, is looking for a move before Friday’s deadline. It comes after only playing a handful of games for Liverpool last term. He is fifth choice in the centre-back packing order under Jurgen Klopp.
Virgil van Dijk, Joel Matip, Joe Gomez and Ibrahima Konate are all above the ex-Stuttgart defender. Our interest was strong for some time, right up until we decided to bring in Joe Rodon on loan from Spurs.
Italian journalist Rudy Galetti even claimed at one point that Leeds were in advanced talks over a £10m deal. The Times say Celtic and Rodgers are set to land him – a manager that was also linked with Leeds.
Brendan Rodgers to lure Nat Phillips to Celtic amid Leeds reports
Rodon has started superbly and with Charlie Cresswell as cover, and Luke Ayling able to play in that role – we are now well-stocked. Jeremiah Mullen, Diogo Monteiro and Kris Moore are all superb u21 gems.
So, the need for Phillips is no longer. But, he was close to moving to Leeds at one point in the summer window. A move to Celtic though, is a brilliant one for Phillips – ahead of a Champions League campaign.
Celtic will not be able to splash £10m straight away having had a busy summer window themselves this summer. But, bringing him in on loan – and adding a permanent clause in the deal – is smart business.
Typical, that it is a manager that was strongly linked with Leeds before the appointment of Daniel Farke in Rodgers. Leeds no longer needed him but there is no doubt he would have been a superb signing.
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