Aston Villa could sign Phillips within days after source’s £12m update – pundit
Kevin Campbell has suggested Aston Villa could swoop for Liverpool defender Nat Phillips this month.
The former Arsenal striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the 24-year-old is a “good pro” who could fit in “seamlessly” at Villa Park.
According to the Athletic (17 January), Aston Villa are looking to sign a new centre-half this month after losing Ezri Konsa to a hip injury.
The report claims the Midlands side are considering drafting in a short-term solution before re-assessing the position in the summer.
Football Insider revealed on 18 January that PSV Eindhoven have joined the race to sign Phillips – with Liverpool likely to loan the defender out if their £12million asking price is not met.
Campbell suggested Steven Gerrard’s ties with the Merseysiders could prove advantageous in a potential deal for the 24-year-old.
“Phillips is definitely a player who can go to Aston Villa and do his thing, it can definitely happen,” he told Football Insider‘s Dylan Childs.
“Look, getting a centre-half through the door isn’t rocket science. You want them to be able to do their job, and you want them to fit in with the team seamlessly.
“Nat Phillips seems to be a good pro, so it may just work. Steven Gerrard knows him and knows Liverpool as well.”
Aston Villa are down to just two fit senior centre-halves after Axel Tuanzebe’s loan was cut short earlier this month.
Phillips made 20 Liverpool appearances last term but has managed just 224 minutes this season.
Gerrard’s side sit 13th in the Premier League ahead of this weekend’s clash against Everton.
The Midlands giants have already completed the signings of Lucas Digne, Philippe Coutinho, and Kerr Smith this month.
In other news, pundit tips Aston Villa star for first start after early team news pre-Everton.