Report claims Newcastle are close to missing out on Liverpool defender Nat Phillips

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According to reports, it looks like Newcastle won’t be signing Nat Phillips from Liverpool this summer.

The Daily Star (27th June, p42) claimed on Sunday that the defender is close to a move to Burnley instead.

A fee of £15million was rumoured earlier in the week, which would have made him an expensive signing for the Magpies.

Goal.com claimed on June 22nd that Newcastle were interested in Phillips and made contact with Liverpool about a move. Burnley, Brighton and Southampton were also linked by Goal.

However, the Daily Star seem to suggest that it is Burnley who are going to win the race.

Phillips had a breakout year at Anfield, getting his chance with the then-Premier League champions after injuries to Virgl van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip.

While he had some tough moments, Phillips did incredibly well for a player who started the season way down the Liverpool pecking order and had spent the previous season on loan in the German second tier.

Jurgen Klopp has been full of praise for Phillips, telling the Daily Mail last month: “These two boys [Phillips and Rhys Williams], playing like that, it is incredible, absolutely incredible.”

The 24-year-old’s stock has risen dramatically, leading to interest from multiple Premier League clubs.

Is missing out on Nat Phillips a blow for Newcastle?

Steve Bruce is desperate to sign a new centre-back this summer. However, he is yet to get what he wishes.

In fact, Newcastle haven’t signed anyone yet. They are reportedly close to bringing in Remi Savage from Liverpool, but the 19-year-old will likely join the Under-23s side.

Phillips is one of multiple centre-backs linked with a move to St James’ Park. However, he does not feel like the best fit for the Magpies.

Newcastle ideally need a ball-playing centre-back. Phillips is not that. He’s old school, heading and blocking everything he can.

That’s not a bad thing, but Bruce needs someone similar to Fabian Schar who is strong in possession, especially if he plans to continue with the 3-5-2 formation that brought so much success.

Kristoffer Ajer would be much better suited for Newcastle. However, talk of a move for the Norwegian has gone cold.

The Magpies have reportedly fallen behind in the race for Ajer, with Norwich and Bayer Leverkusen having £10million bids rejected.

That’s despite the fact there were claims from the Daily Mirror that Ajer was close to signing for Newcastle – similar to the Daily Star’s story about Phillips heading to Burnley.

As it stands, neither player has completed a transfer this summer. Two of Newcastle’s reported targets remain available, but they face strong competition to sign either of them.