Nat Phillips attracting interest
Liverpool Centre-back Nat Phillips is not getting a sniff of regular first-team football under Jurgen Klopp, having fallen further down the pecking order following the arrival of Ibrahim Konate in the summer transfer window.
As such, he is primed for a move away from Merseyside come January, whether that be on a loan or permanently. Having impressed under Klopp last season while Liverpool endured their defensive crisis, he is not short of suitors either.
Both West Ham United and Newcastle United are on the hunt for a new defender, as they look to rectify their issues in the back line.
Under new ownership, Newcastle are desperate for January additions in order to avoid relegation from the top flight in what would be an ignominious start to the new and wealthy regime.
West Ham, meanwhile, are suffering a defensive crisis of their own: While playing against Liverpool, Angelo Ogbonna was forced off with what later transpired to be an ACL injury, that has ruled him out for the season.
We can confirm that Angelo Ogbonna sustained an anterior cruciate ligament injury during Sunday’s match against Liverpool.
We’re all with you on your road to recovery, @OgbonnaOfficial ⚒
— West Ham United (@WestHam) November 9, 2021
Then, almost exactly a month later, Kurt Zouma suffered a hamstring injury that could see him miss the rest of the season, also in a 3-2 win, this time against Chelsea.
We can confirm that Kurt Zouma sustained a hamstring tendon injury during Saturday’s win over Chelsea.
Ben Johnson has also started his rehabilitation after suffering a low-grade hamstring strain.
Best of luck with your recoveries, Ben & @KurtZouma! ?⚒
— West Ham United (@WestHam) December 7, 2021
Clearly then, additions are needed.
Price tag revealed
And now, amid what could become a bidding war for his services, Liverpool have now put a price on his head.
As per The Athletic, any club looking to add him to their side will have to stump up 15 million pounds.
NEWS | Liverpool want £15m to sell Nat Phillips in January, with Premier League sides interested#WHUFC and #NUFC have been heavily linked with the #LFC defender…
More from @JamesPearceLFChttps://t.co/0SCj8cvtoA
— The Athletic UK (@TheAthleticUK) December 16, 2021
Is it worth the investment for both clubs?