Liverpool could reportedly loan out Nat Phillips, with Michael Carrick’s Middlesbrough one of a handful of sides interested in signing the defender.
According to the Athletic, the Riverside club are keeping tabs on the 26-year-old as Liverpool weigh up the idea of loaning out Phillips having failed to sell him for good.
The defender was wanted by the likes of Leeds United with talks even taking place between the Whites and Phillips over a potential transfer earlier this summer.
However, a deal has never materialised, and Middlesbrough could be on course to sign Phillips on loan, with former Manchester United coach Carrick likely to give the centre-back a chance to shine.
Indeed, Phillips has already impressed in the Championship after starring for AFC Bournemouth under Scott Parker in the 2021/22 season, where Scott Parker hailed the defender as ‘exceptional’.
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Whilst a loan deal would make sense, there will be a mood of disappointment around the Liverpool community that the Reds weren’t able to sell Phillips on a permanent deal.
Liverpool should still try and sell Phillips for good
Heading into this summer, Phillips was one of a number of players that looked like a sure-bet to leave Liverpool permanently this transfer window.
However, like many fringe players on Liverpool’s books, the Reds have simply failed in trying to sell Phillips, who could have fetched a good fee for the right club.
Instead, the defender is now likely to leave on a loan, a position no player at the age of 26 wants to find themselves in, with Phillips in need of a new permanent home this summer.