Liverpool

Liverpool

Premier League • England

Liverpool transfer news: Reds squad star admits he’s open to exit as likely move to Premier League cannon fodder opens up

Nat Phillips of Liverpool holds off Wilfired Zaha during the Premier League match at Anfield

Liverpool defender Nat Phillips admits his future at Anfield remains under the spotlight as the transfer window enters its final few days.

The 25-year-old central defender remains a popular figure at Liverpool with Jurgen Klopp more than happy to keep him around. Indeed, Phillips was a starter in the recent 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace at Anfield. That was after injuries Joel Matip and Ibrahima Konate ruled them out, while Joe Gomez felt something to rule him out just before the game.

However, opportunities for Phillips are likely to be few and far between this season. To that end, the player has conceded that he wants to play more regular football.

Phillips moved to Bournemouth on loan in January and he enjoyed his time with Scott Parker’s side. He featured 18 times as the Cherries secured promotion back to the Premier League.

And that regular run of games has only whetted Phillips’ desire to get more regular game-time under his belt.

“It’s a prime example of how you’ve always got to be ready because you never know what’s round the corner,” he said of his unexpected appearance against Palace.

“Ultimately I want to be playing games but you’ve got to take it week-by-week. You can never look too far into the future because you never know what might happen.

“But, of course, I love playing for Liverpool. It it was nice to have the opportunity to do that against Crystal Palace at Anfield the other week.”

Phillips is reportedly on Bournemouth’s wanted list as they consider re-signing him on a permanent basis.

Return to Bournemouth a possible option for Nat Phillips

And the defender, speaking in Liverpool’s matchday programme, admits he very much enjoyed his time on the south coast.

“I had a really good time down there and it was good working with Scott Parker. He is a good manager to work for and very well-planned and meticulous in the way he approaches games. He was always analysing the fine details and knew what he wanted from you as a player and as a team.

“Personally, the experience was great. It was nice to be playing regularly and experiencing a promotion as well was something special.”

Bournemouth lost that game at Anfield 9-0 and lacked true presence and leadership in defence.

Should Bournemouth look to bring Phillips back to the Vitality Stadium, Liverpool are reportedly setting a modest fee for his services.

Indeed, the Reds are reportedly looking for a fee of around £12m – £15m for their No 47.

That looks a relatively-modest fee in the modern market, with Phillips showing he’s more than capable at this level.

Phillips made 20 appearances for Liverpool during the 2020/21 season when injuries took their toll on the Reds. And he let no-one down as Liverpool rallied from a serious mid-season wobble to ultimately finish third.

West Ham were also among Phillips’ suitors earlier this summer, though David Moyes’ side ultimately did not follow up their interest with a firm bid.

Parker and Bournemouth do look the most likely suitors, however. That’s despite Parker conceding that the Cherries are not in a position whereby they can continue to strengthen their group.

Paul Merson, meanwhile, has harshly claimed Liverpool will have no chance of winning the title if Phillips continues to start games for the Reds.