Robinson verdict on Phillips quitting Liverpool after Pearce's transfer reveal

Burnley will have to table Liverpool a "sizeable bid" to sign Nathaniel Phillips this summer.

That is the view of former Clarets and England goalkeeper Paul Robinson, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the 24-year-old's future on Merseyside amid contact from Burnley reported by the Telegraph (22 June).

Phillips became somewhat of a cult hero for the Reds last season in the absence of Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip.

However, with the arrival of Ibrahima Konate and the aforementioned centre-halves set to return from injury, Phillips' future is uncertain.

According to The Athletic's James Pearce (23 June), Liverpool will reluctantly let the English defender leave for a fee of £15million.

When asked by Football Insider correspondent Dylan Childs for his assessment of Phillips' future, Robinson said:

"Phillips was amazing towards the end of the season and was their best player over that period.

"When everyone is back fit he might struggle for game time but I really do not think that will be the case. Liverpool are competing in a lot of competitions next season and they will need him. They need a big squad.

"It would have to be a sizeable bid from Burnley to make Liverpool even think about letting him go. They will not want to let him go.

"It will come down to the player's ambitions. He might try and force through a move because at Burnley, if James Tarkowksi leaves, he will play every week. He is not guaranteed to play every week at Liverpool.

"I cannot see Jurgen Klopp being keen to do business though."

In other news, Euro giants open preliminary talks to sign Liverpool 24-year-old.