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Liverpool tipped to sell Phillips after deal agreed - Mills
Liverpool could be preparing to sell Nat Phillips in the future after he signed a new long-term contract, according to Danny Mills.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Leeds United and England full-back claimed Liverpool are “protecting their asset” as Phillips put pen to paper on a new deal.
The Reds confirmed on transfer deadline day (31 August) that the 24-year-old had committed his future for the next four years.
His previous deal was set to expire in the summer of 2023.
The 24-year-old started last season nowhere near the first team but ended up making 20 appearances across all competitions.
The Bolton-born ace earned cult hero status at Anfield for his commanding presence in both boxes.
Liverpool suffered an unprecedented injury crisis that saw Virgil van Dijk, Joel Matip and Joe Gomez all miss large chunks of last season.
Phillips ended the season alongside Rhys Williams as Jurgen Klopp’s preferred centre-back pairing.
He is now fifth-choice behind Van Dijk, Gomez, Matip and summer signing Ibrahima Konate.
Asked whether a new deal could be Liverpool ensuring they can demand a good fee for a future sale, Mills told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley: “It’ll be a bit of that.
“That’s the way I look at it. They’re protecting their asset, making sure he could be around for some time.
“Could he break in? Yes, is the answer. But they’ll be looking at it and be thinking ‘We’ll protect our asset, keep him happy, just in case we need him and we’ll go from there’.”
Phillips had played just once before for Liverpool enjoying a breakout campaign last season.
He has not made a matchday squad this season with Van Dijk, Gomez and Matip all fully fit this term.
In other news, Liverpool have made a £49million transfer blunder after a player deal is completed.