Game over for 27-year-old Liverpool defender as promotion chasers target summer deal
Liverpool defender Nat Phillips is attracting renewed interest ahead of the summer transfer window after a productive loan spell with Championship side Cardiff City.
According to the Yorkshire Evening Post, the commanding centre-back, once dubbed a ‘monster’ for his aerial prowess by Reds boss Jurgen Klopp, will be pursued by Leeds United regardless of whether they will be playing in the Premier League or the Championship next season.
The newspaper reports that the Yorkshire side’s interest remains firm despite their recent 4-0 loss to Queens Park Rangers, a result that jeopardises their automatic promotion hopes.
Leeds boss Daniel Farke reportedly sees Phillips as a key part of his side’s plans, having previously lined up a move for the 27-year-old in January.
However, that deal ultimately fell through, leading to his loan spell at Cardiff, where he has featured in every Championship game since his arrival.
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Nat Phillips wants first-team football
Phillips, whose contract with Liverpool is set to enter its final year, has spent the entire season away from Anfield.
He has been sent out on two separate loan spells, first with Celtic (where he made just eight appearances under Brendan Rodgers) and then with Cardiff after he was recalled during the winter transfer window.
With the impending departure of Jurgen Klopp, one of his biggest admirers, it would seem that it’s now the end of the road for Phillips at Anfield.
At 27, the defender wants regular first-team football, and it’s believed the club won’t stand in his way if their valuation is met (a figure placed at just £3 million by Transfermarkt).
The Bolton-born defender stepped up massively during a defensive injury crisis at Liverpool back in the 2020/21 campaign alongside Rhys Williams.
However, once the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Joel Matip and Joe Gomez returned to fitness, Phillips slipped down the pecking order once again, despite being given a new long-term contract.
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