West Ham linked with three Newcastle targets, including Nat Phillips

Add as preferred source on Google

It looks like Newcastle United could face competition to land reported target Nat Phillips.

The Liverpool defender was linked with the Magpies last week. The Telegraph claim Eddie Howe’s side could make a move in January.

But now another Premier League club are reportedly interested in the 24-year-old.

According to the Evening Standard, West Ham see Phillips as a potential replacement for the injured Kurt Zouma.

The Frenchman is set to miss 12 weeks of action, and David Moyes wants to bring in defensive cover next month.

Phillips isn’t the only centre-back named as a target by the Evening Standard. James Tarkowski and Nathan Ake are also listed, two players who have been linked with Newcastle as well.

Can Newcastle land defensive target Nat Phillips ahead of West Ham?

Newcastle’s need for a centre-back is arguably greater than West Ham’s. While David Moyes has injury bother, Eddie Howe just doesn’t have a strong enough defence.

Steve Bruce wanted a centre-back in the summer and didn’t get one. Now Newcastle have one of the worst defensive records in the Premier League.

The Magpies have been heavily linked with Tarkowski, but the Athletic have stated that he could wait until the summer to move when his contract expires.

Meanwhile, the Standard state that a West Ham deal for Ake could be difficult. And if it’s difficult for the Hammers, it’s difficult for us too.

That means both sides might have to battle it out for Phillips in January. But where should he go?

West Ham are in the strongest position, once again chasing Champions League football. That has to be enticing for Phillips, who excelled in Europe’s elite competition against AC Milan on Tuesday night.

But he would only be going to West Ham as a backup option. Would they be linked if Zouma wasn’t injured? Possibly not.

Newcastle are looking at Phillips because they need centre-backs. They need defensive reinforcements for the rest of the season and beyond, not just for a few weeks to aid an injury crisis.

In the long run, a move to St James’ Park might be more beneficial for the 24-year-old.