Report: Newcastle, West Ham told English star will cost £12m, club open to sale

By Will Butcher

The Athletic report that Liverpool are willing to sell Nat Phillips in the January transfer window and a fee of £12million might be enough to secure the defender – amid previous reports that Newcastle and West Ham are keen.

Phillips, 24, starred for Liverpool on Tuesday night in the Champions League. Albeit a dead rubber, Liverpool beat Milan in the San Siro 2-1 – despite Jurgen Klopp making eight changes to the side that beat Wolves 1-0.

The uncapped Englishman was one of those changes, but he has appeared just three times for Liverpool this season. The other, a minute-long cameo against Atletico Madrid, and a half against Preston in the Carabao Cup.

James Pearce reports that it is likely Liverpool will look to sell Phillips for the right price in January, stating he is rated at £12million. This month, Newcastle and West Ham have both been linked with a move.

Newcastle or West Ham, for Liverpool defender Phillips?

The Telegraph reported that Newcastle have considered six English players – including the likes of Jesse Lingard, James Tarkowski and Kieran Trippier. Liverpool star Phillips is also on that list.

Meanwhile, the Standard say West Ham want Phillips as cover for Kurt Zouma and Issa Diop, with Angelo Ogbonna injured. So, Newcastle or West Ham? Well, the latter are in Europe.

It would give Phillips more games to get game time. But at Newcastle, he would probably start in defence alongside Jamaal Lascelles or Fabian Schar. At £12million, he is a bargain for either.