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Liverpool man set for Klopp showdown after three clubs make transfer enquiries

TEAMtalk can reveal that three clubs have expressed an interest in signing Liverpool defender Nat Phillips in the January transfer window, but there is no guarantee the Anfield club will allow him to leave.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has hinted he will not sanction the departure of any first-team players next month. With the need for additional back-up due to the latest Covid-19 variant, Klopp will likely be unwilling to sanction any departures in the upcoming transfer window.

Phillips, who is currently out with an injury, has made it clear that he wants to move on from Liverpool due to his lack of first opportunities. And he could be offered the chance to join West Ham, after David Moyes put him at the top of his wanted list for next month.

Newcastle have also expressed an interest in Phillips. And Burnley are another club who are making a push to sign the Liverpool centre-back.

Phillips made his mark at Liverpool amid their defensive injury crisis last season. But he has been pushed down the pecking order for Klopp this season following the return of Virgil van Dijk and Joel Matip.

The signing of Ibrahima Konate has added to the competition for places in the Liverpool defence. And the centre-back has been open in his desire to move on.

Phillips frozen out

Phillips has yet to play in the Premier League this season and has made just one Champions League start. That was in the win over AC MIlan with qualification from Group B already secured.

“I want to be playing games. It’s been tough because the competition to get in this team is fierce,” Phillips told Sky Sports.

“The manager and I agree that the best thing for me is to play as many games as possible. I think you saw last year I developed well.

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“I’m going to see what comes along (in January) and go from there. I think at this moment in time it’s unlikely that I’ll be playing lots of games for Liverpool. So if an opportunity arises where I get the chance to do that somewhere else and it suits everyone then it’s certainly something I’d be interested in.

‘I’ll be ready to play’

“I’ve had the exposure and experience in the Premier League and the Champions League. So maybe those situations where you’re new and nervy, I’ve gone through that phase.

 

“I don’t need to go through that process if I do go somewhere else. I’ll be ready straight away to get involved and play.”

While Liverpool are reluctant to sell players next month, Phillips’ desire to leave could cause some friction at Anfield.

However, if a sizeable offer for a permanent transfer was lodged that may well sway Liverpool into selling.

READ MORE: Arsenal ready to battle Liverpool after striker move gets explicit green light

The post Liverpool man set for Klopp showdown after three clubs make transfer enquiries appeared first on TEAMtalk.