Nat Phillips
Nat Phillips
West Bromwich Albion have been credited with an interest in Liverpool defender Nat Phillips, who is expected to leave Anfield on a permanent basis in this summer transfer window.
Phillips, 28, spent last season out on loan at Derby County and performed well for the Rams, as they stayed in the Championship having been fighting against the threat of relegation before incoming boss John Eustace inspired a turnaround in form.
The centre half signed for Liverpool from boyhood club Bolton Wanderers in 2016 and was granted his debut by then boss Jurgen Klopp three years later, before he enjoyed the only run of games in his entire Reds spell in 2020-21, when Klopp had to cope with a host of defensive injuries.
Phillips played 20 times for Liverpool in that campaign, played out behind closed doors, as they surrendered their Premier League title which they'd lifted the season previous. Following that, he had loan spells with Bournemouth, Cardiff, Celtic and, most recently, Derby.
It's likely that Phillips, who now only has a year remaining on his current contract, will find himself a new home on a permanent basis this summer.
The Athletic adds that Albion have a 'strong interest' in the centre half, but that they won't be alone and a number of other clubs in the second tier are in the same boat.
Derby boss Eustace, who utilised Phillips in a back three for the Rams in the second half of the season, a back-line which also included former Albion loanee Matt Clarke, grew fond of Phillips as he worked with him across the final months of the campaign.
“Yeah, for sure," Eustace said towards the end of the season, when asked if he would like the club to pursue a permanent deal for Phillips.
"I think he’s been outstanding and his performances have been very good. The match-winning header last week [in a 1-0 victory over Hull City] was awesome.”