West Ham United keeping tabs on Liverpool defender Nathaniel Phillips ahead of January window

According to Football Insider (h/t Liverpool Echo), West Ham United are keen on signing Liverpool defender Nathaniel Phillips in January. 

Despite signing a new contract in the summer, the centre-back hasn’t featured much in this season for the Reds. His lack of game time under Jurgen Klopp has raised questions on his long term Liverpool future. 

However, The Irons have made the 24 years old defender their future solution for the backline. It is believed that the Hammers are preparing a January offer for Phillips. 

Liverpool have four able centre-backs in Virgil van Dijk, Joel Matip, Joe Gomez and Ibrahima Konate to choose from. While Phillips is an excellent fifth choice, it does not really do the player any favours.

The Reds’ injury crisis last season saw Phillips be given plenty of opportunities to play. The defender to his credit took it and help Liverpool qualify for the UEFA Champions League.

However, van Dijk and co are several cuts ahead of Phillips in terms of ability. It is difficult to see the 24-year-old get the nod over those ahead of him in the pecking order. Perhaps it is easier for him to pursue a career elsewhere.

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The current depth of the Merseyside team’s squad has made it more difficult for Phillips to get any game time despite remaining fit. He is at an age where regular playtime is on the table.

More so, Phillips has shown his ability to perform at the highest level. Whether a move is on the cars next January remains to be seen.