Sources: Leeds United could now pay big-money fee for Liverpool star Phillips
Leeds United will go back into the market for further centre-back reinforcements following Liam Cooper’s injury blow, sources have told Football Insider.
As per the BBC (8 August), Daniel Farke’s side will be without captain Cooper for up to eight weeks with a foot injury he sustained against Cardiff.
Leeds have since dipped into the transfer market to add Wales international Joe Rodon on a season-long loan from Tottenham.
However, it is believed the Whites will move again to strengthen their rearguard with several targets under consideration.
Football Insider revealed last week (4 August) that Man City youngster Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Liverpool’s Nathaniel Phillips are among the defender targets for Leeds.
A well-placed source has told Football Insider that both players, who have experience in getting promoted from the Championship, would cost a “big-money” fee.
Farke’s side have already lost centre-backs Max Wober, Robin Koch and Diego Llorente since relegation from the Premier League in May.
Phillips, who was promoted on loan at Bournemouth in the 2021-22 campaign, is under contract at Liverpool for two more years.
He made five appearances for Liverpool across all competitions last season, playing a total of 232 minutes of football.
Meanwhile, Harwood-Bellis impressed on loan at Burnley in the 2022-23 campaign as Vincent Kompany’s side went up as champions.
The Man City defender and serial loanee made 35 appearances as a regular starter for the Clarets last term.
Leeds face Birmingham on Saturday (12 August) after drawing their season-opener against Cardiff 2-2.
In other news, Southampton in pole position to beat Leeds to midfielder deal.