Newcastle United have reportedly joined the race for Liverpool defender Nat Phillips, according to James Pearce of The Athletic.
Steve Bruce’s side join a host of clubs keen to sign the 24-year-old, who is likely to leave Anfield this summer and could demand a fee of around £15 million.
Newcastle United Reportedly Join Race For Liverpool Defender Nat Phillips
Nat Phillips is Attracting Plenty of Interest
The report suggests Newcastle have made initial contact with Phillips’ representatives ahead of a proposed move to Tyneside. After a shaky defensive campaign last season, manager Bruce will be keen to bolster his options with the potential addition of Phillips.
The central defender made his mark for Liverpool last season after stepping into the heart of Jurgen Klopp’s defence when the club was hit with an injury crisis. All three of Klopp’s go-to defenders in Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip were all ruled out synchronously, meaning Phillips was thrown into the deep end.
He did manage to form a solid partnership with January loanee Ozan Kabak, which helped steer the club into a Champions League spot by the end of term.
Those performances, though, have caught the attention of more than just Newcastle’s. The Magpies will have to fend off the likes of Burnley and Brighton & Hove Albion, who have also taken an interest in the defender. The Seagulls are looking to replace Ben White, who signed for Arsenal last month for £50 million.
Phillips Likely to Have Dropped Down the Liverpool Pecking Order
Despite Phillips’ stable performances in tricky circumstances, it is likely he will have slipped down the pecking order at Anfield. Liverpool have brought in talented defender Ibrahima Konate from RB Leipzig, while the aforementioned trio are nearing a return to full fitness.
At 24, Phillips should ideally be looking to be playing regular minutes, and with his opportunities likely to be narrowed, it could pave the way for an Anfield exit. Newcastle could be an ideal place for the defender to continue his rise, where he can flourish as a central figure within Steve Bruce’s back three.
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