Neil Atkinson from The Anfield Wrap has tipped Newcastle to sign Liverpool defender Nat Phillips as he claims a deal for the 6ft2 defender to join Steve Bruce’s side would see “everyone go away happy”.
Phillips was one of Jurgen Klopp’s unforeseen heroes as Liverpool managed to sneak into the Champions League qualification places at the end of the season.
After Virgil van Dijk, Joel Matip and Joe Gomez all suffered season-ending injuries, Phillips was forced to step out from the shadows onto the Anfield main stage, alongside Rhys Williams.
After impressive performances, the 24-year-old has been linked with a move away from Anfield as the Toon and Burnley are reportedly vying for his signature.
Liverpool are expected to have all of their injured defenders back for next season, alongside the signing of Ibrahima Konate – meaning Phillips could be expected to play a bit-part role next season.
Speaking on The Anfield Wrap’s YouTube channel, Atkinson had this to say about a potential move to St. James’ Park for Phillips:
“I think Newcastle suits more than Burnley, in a strange sort of way. I think Burnley have been linked with another centre-half as well, recently, as well as Phillips.
“Newcastle, managed by Steve Bruce, current climates, the way they play, often three at the back, allows them a little bit more cover within there as well. I think Newcastle makes a ton of sense and also Newcastle are a big club. You know they’re a big club with a good crowd to play in front of.
“I think if Liverpool can get a good fee for him from Newcastle, I think that could be one of them where it’s very much all parties shake hands and everyone goes away happy with what’s gone on. I think at Liverpool, he would be, at best, fifth-choice going into next season.”
TIF Thoughts on Nat Phillips potentially moving to Newcastle…
Having just helped Liverpool finish third in the Premier League, Phillips could look to aim higher than a bottom-five side like Burnley.
Newcastle arguably therefore presents Phillips with the perfect move – a squad that has shown they can play when they have all of their stars available, having put a decent run of form together towards the end of last season.
Combined with the potential takeover rumours, Newcastle could be challenging for a spot in Europe in years to come, meaning that Phillips has plenty of room for progression.
Alternatively, Phillips may want to prove himself at Liverpool and could look to stay at Anfield and try and prove to Klopp that he is the right man to play alongside Van Dijk.
Currently valued at £7.2million, Phillips could be a shrewd bit of a business for Steve Bruce and co as they look to build on last year’s 12th-place finish.