Despite a change of manager, Newcastle reportedly still want to sign Nat Phillips from Liverpool.
The Magpies were heavily linked with the defender during the summer when Steve Bruce was in charge. However, Newcastle failed to sign Phillips – or any defender for that matter.
Newcastle have been terrible this season, with their defensive deficiencies leaving them bottom of the Premier League table.
There’s been a change of manager and owner, but no change in results. Eddie Howe replaced Bruce last month and has lifted the mood and performances, but is yet to find a winning formula after three games.
The need for January reinforcements grows game after game as Newcastle’s Premier League status becomes more and more under threat.
We need to improve our defence when the transfer window opens, and the Telegraph claim that Newcastle want a defender who Bruce tried to sign in the summer.
Nat Phillips might be a sensible and attainable signing
The Telegraph report that Newcastle have identified Phillips as a target for January. In the summer, he was valued at around £15million, but it is unknown how much Liverpool want for him now.
The centre-back hasn’t featured much for Liverpool this season, after breaking into Jurgen Klopp’s side last season due to an injury crisis. He’s yet to feature in the Premier League this season, as the Reds go in search of another title.
Phillips impressed at times, but not enough to become a Liverpool regular. But that doesn’t mean he couldn’t do a job in black and white.
While some clubs may be unwilling to do business with Newcastle, this is a deal that could surely happen. Liverpool don’t need Phillips, who must be frustrated by a lack of first-team football.
He could become a hero at Newcastle if he plays a role in keeping us in the Premier League. And if we do go down, he’s the kind of player who could do a job in the Championship as well.
Newcastle need a new centre-back, with James Tarkowski linked. However, that deal might be difficult, forcing the Magpies to look for alternatives.
Phillips could be the ideal alternative.
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