Liverpool’s wantaway defensive star Nat Phillips is claimed to be a target for Southampton who are keen on adding to their options at the back after Jannik Vestergaard’s exit for Leicester City.
Vestergaard’s move to The King Power Stadium this summer has meant the Saints are one influential man short in their backline and Ralph Hasenhuttl is backed to make a move for his outgoing player’s replacement.
The 23-year-old Phillips has been linked with a move away from Anfield in what remains of the transfer window before the deadline later this month with Jurgen Klopp open to letting the player leave after bringing Ibrahima Konate to shore up his defensive options.
Reports from The Athletic suggest that Southampton’s interest in taking on the Liverpool man on a loan deal could run into trouble with the Merseyside giants in line to consider only permanent offers for the centre-back.
It remains to be seen whether the Saints camp step up their chase for Phillips this summer with Liverpool’s valuation of the player between £12 million and £15 million amid interest from the likes of Burnley, Brighton and German outfit Bayer 04 Leverkusen.
