According to MailOnline, Newcastle United has asked about Liverpool defender Nathaniel Phillips. The English defender is on the radar of both the Magpies and West Ham United, according to The Telegraph.
It’s likely that the Toon Army will be on the hunt for a centre-back as their pursuit of Diego Carlos turns south. Phillips is available for around £10 million, as reported by The Evening Standard.
In a Champions League clash away at AC Milan, Phillips completed the game with a broken cheekbone. He was praised for his performance as the Reds came back from behind to win in Milan.
Jurgen Klopp loves Newcastle target Phillips
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has spoken highly of Phillips in the past, describing him as ‘one of the smartest players I’ve worked with‘.
With less than a week of the transfer window to go, Newcastle really need a new centre-back. Their biggest weakness is at the back where they’ve leaked goals consistently throughout the season.
With the Red having the likes of Virgil Van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, Joel Matip and Joe Gomez in their squad, they may be willing to let the 24-year-old go.
Granted it’s not quite as an exciting name as Sven Botman or Diego Carlos, but there’s a race against the clock to acquire a new defender. You feel the predicament Newcastle are in – Anyone is better than no one surely?
He’s still on the younger side and has time to get better and better. Phillips could prove to be a no-nonsense defender that could slot in nicely alongside Fabian Schar.
Unless they have other options to consider, Phillips could be a solid bit of business. He might not be as proven as the other defenders previously but has some big-game experience.
He’s played in the Champions League pulling off a lovely flick in his own box in the process. If he did that at St James’ Park he’d certainly win over some fans.
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