Phil Hay has written in his latest piece on The Athletic that Leeds United are keen on signing Liverpool defender Nat Phillips this summer – but that the central defender would cost around £10m, despite his lack of Reds game time.
Phillips, 26, remains on the books at Anfield, with two years left on his Liverpool contract. But, he managed just five senior outings for the Reds last term. He has been unable to build on the form that saw him play 20 times in 20-21.
The likes of Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez, Ibrahima Konate and Joel Matip remain in front of the Bolton-born defender, in Jurgen Klopp’s pecking order. This summer is likely to see the exit of Phillips, if clubs meet Liverpool’s price tag.
Hay writes that following relegation to the Championship, Leeds are interested in him. He also reports that Phillips was a player that Farke wanted while in charge at Norwich. A move is ‘irrespective’ of soon-to-come appointments.
Phil Hay says Leeds are keen on Liverpool defender Nat Phillips
A clear indication, perhaps, that Leeds are set to wave goodbye to three right-footed options at centre-back. Diego Llorente is set to join Roma on another loan, and Rasmus Kristensen on an £8.5m loan-to-buy deal, also to Roma.
Robin Koch has been strongly linked with a return to Germany, as Eintracht Frankfurt and Bayer Leverkusen fight for the Germany star’s signature. Phillips is a bit of a throwback to a no-nonsense centre-back. Fans will love him.
At £10m, he is largely unproven given his lack of game time at Liverpool – but clearly, good enough to warrant such a fee. A player that could easily play for Leeds in the Championship, and continue with us in the Premier League.
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