The Mail claim Liverpool defender Nat Phillips is keen to leave Anfield this summer and kickstart his career at a club that can give him regular game time – amid reports this week that Leeds have added the defender to their shortlist.
A bit out of nowhere on Tuesday, The Athletic’s Phil Hay wrote that 26-year-old Phillips is a summer target for the Whites. Most transfer news coming out of Leeds is about players that could go. Phillips is our first genuine target.
He has two years left on his deal at Liverpool and Hay writes that Jurgen Klopp’s side want a fee of £10m for the defender. Now, The Mail have given an update in a report of their own – detailing Phillips’ stance on a summer move.
The Mail’s report says he is open to a summer move, and wants more game time after just five games for Liverpool’s senior side last season. He is fifth choice, behind stars Joel Matip, Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Ibrahima Konate.
It is certainly a sign that Leeds are working behind the scenes to make signings, even without a manager. It is also perhaps, an indication that the club are planning for life without Diego Llorente, Robin Koch and Rasmus Kristensen.
Nat Phillips keen to leave Liverpool this summer amid Leeds reports
With Koch likely to join Frankfurt, and both Kristensen and Llorente off to Roma on loan this summer, Leeds find themselves immediately lacking options on the right side of central defence. Charlie Cresswell has returned.
He is likely to be first choice, while Luke Ayling will battle Cody Drameh at right-back. Bringing in competition for Cresswell is important. Phillips would be a brilliant signing. If Leeds are willing to spend £10m, remains to be seen.
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