Liverpool have stepped up preparations for Nat Phillips’ impending departure from the club. According to a report from Goal this morning, The Reds expect the 24-year-old to leave this month.
The report claims that Liverpool have already turned down a bid for the centre-back from Watford. The bid was a loan with obligation to buy should The Hornets avoid relegation. Obviously unconvinced by that scenario, Liverpool would prefer a straight sale.
Other reported interest came from Napoli, who have since signed Manchester United youngster Axel Tuanzebe on loan instead.
According to Goal that leaves West Ham, Burnley, Newcastle and some unnamed Bundesliga “suitors” to battle it out for Phillips.
Liverpool continue to hold out for £15m for the no-nonsense centre-back. A fee which, given his impressive displays last season, The Reds reportedly feel is more than fair.
Williams returns after loan disappointment
Goal also report that Liverpool are ready to recall Rhys Williams from his loan spell at Swansea. The 20-year-old has barely featured for the Welsh club and his return should provide cover in the expected event that the club find a buyer for Phillips.
It was hoped that Williams would kick on after finding himself unexpectedly thrown into the Liverpool first team last season. But it hasn’t transpired that way and after only five starts, he looks to be returning to base.
This is a real disappointment for Williams. He was on-loan for non-league Kidderminster Harriers before his surprise inclusion in Jurgen Klopp’s squad last year.
He performed well for Liverpool but his limitations were plain to see. The Championship should have been an ideal platform for him to continue his development, especially from a physical point of view.
Back at Liverpool Virgil Van Dijk, Joel Matip, Joe Gomez and Ibrahima Konate are all fit and a long way ahead of him in the pecking order. With Phillips on his way out it looks likely that he will take up the fifth choice berth and at this stage of the season is very unlikely to see much game time.
Despite the news from Goal, Phillips was pictured in Liverpool training on Tuesday evening.
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