Newcastle tipped to beat West Ham to Phillips signing after Sky update – pundit
Noel Whelan has suggested Newcastle United could beat West Ham to the signing of Liverpool defender Nathaniel Phillips in January.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the 24-year-old could solve the Magpies’ defensive issues next month.
As reported by the Athletic on Friday (17 December), Liverpool want £15million for the centre-back after enquiries from several Premier League clubs.
Football Insider revealed last month (29 November) West Ham were laying the groundwork for a deal.
The Telegraph have named (1 December) Phillips as a target for Newcastle heading into the winter window.
As such, Whelan suggested the Magpies could rival and beat the Hammers to the centre-back’s signing.
Whelan told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “It’s not just West Ham, look at Newcastle. He could be a potential incoming as well in January.
“He’d give them that strength in depth in those centre-half positions where they’ve really struggled.
“He’s an English player who knows the Premier League.
“Someone that can take on that mantle, has been at a very good club and played the right way.”
Phillips has struggled for game time at Anfield this season.
Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate and Joel Matip are all ahead in the pecking order.
Phillips told Sky Sports News on Friday (17 December) he is ready to move on from Liverpool in search of more regular action.
He has played a total of 24 times for Liverpool since breaking through the youth ranks on Merseyside.
Phillips joined the Reds’ academy from Bolton Wanderers in 2016.
In other news, Newcastle United told to pull off “top-six” signings amid links to “Championship player”.