West Ham United are interested in signing Liverpool defender Nathaniel Phillips when the transfer window reopens in January.
According to Dean Jones from Give Me Sport, Nathaniel Phillips has been made available for transfer by Liverpool. And West Ham have a strong interest in securing the services of the 25-year-old defender.
Jones said, “The strongest interest I guess you could say would be West Ham and Nat Phillips. They’ve had a keen eye on him, they’ve had good reports on him and they considered going for him strongly in the summer window. So I can see that one coming around again.”
David Moyes is looking to reinforce his squad midway through the season, and Phillips could prove to be an excellent addition on a bargain. The defender has fallen down the pecking order at Anfield and is unlikely to cost a lot. It remains to be seen whether West Ham can negotiate a reasonable fee for the Liverpool defender.
Phillips is behind the likes of Ibrahima Konate, Virgil van Dijk, Joel Matip and Joe Gomez in the pecking order and is unlikely to get much playing time at Anfield. A move away from Liverpool in January would the best option for him, and West Ham could provide him with the platform to excel with regular game time.
The 25-year-old has impressed whenever called upon, and he could improve West Ham defensively. Phillips has a no-nonsense approach, and Moyes needs someone like him who does the basics of defending well. West Ham have also shown interest in other centre-back, including Michael Keane.
Phillips is yet to reach his peak and could get even better with game time and experience. Regular football at West Ham would help him fulfil his potential. The Liverpool defender has always been admired by Jurgen Klopp. But the Reds simply cannot provide him with the opportunities he needs. The decision to let him go in January would be the best for all parties.
The Hammers have looked vulnerable at the back this season and bringing in a centre-back could help turn things around. West Ham are currently 16th in the league table, having conceded 17 goals already. Phillips could help them push for a place in the top half during the second half of the season.
