Leeds United interested in £10m Liverpool star Jurgen Klopp admits ‘isn’t easy on the eye’
Leeds United have expressed interest in signing Liverpool defender Nat Phillips this summer as they prepare for life in the Championship following their relegation from the Premier League.
Phillips could be on the move to the Championship if Leeds pull off the deal (Image: Getty)
The Whites' pursuit of the Reds' centre-half is reportedly unaffected by their ongoing search for a head coach and sporting director.
Although the 49ers Enterprises takeover at Elland Road has slowed down transfer activities and managerial appointments, former Norwich City boss Daniel Farke is rumoured to be the frontrunner for the position left vacant by Sam Allardyce after his short-term stint.
During his time at Norwich, German manager Farke had shown interest in signing Phillips, and now Leeds are keen to secure his services. According to the Athletic (via LeedsLive), Liverpool are said to be holding out for a fee of around £10 million for the 26-year-old defender, who is under contract until 2025.
Liverpool's manager will be hoping his side can improve on their performance next season (Image: Getty)
Having come through Liverpool's academy, Phillips has made limited appearances for the senior team since his debut in 2020. Despite his lack of game time, the 6ft 3in centre-half has experienced two promotions during his career.
He joined Stuttgart on loan in the 2019-20 season, making 22 appearances as they secured promotion to the Bundesliga. In the second half of the 2021-22 campaign, Phillips played on loan for Bournemouth, helping them achieve promotion from the Championship to the Premier League.
While Leeds are managerless, they also lack a sporting director since Victor Orta's exit after the unsuccessful appointment of Javi Gracia. To navigate the current transfer window, the club has enlisted the support of former Reading director of football Nick Hammond, who acted as an advisor for Newcastle United during their takeover in December 2021.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has previously heaped praise on Phillips, telling Match of the Day after a win against West Ham in 2020: "He's a brilliant guy, smart guy, intelligent, everything. He's not easy on the eye, he's not (Lionel) Messi but who cares?
“In the air, he's a monster! He was incredible. For the first game, I think everyone can imagine how nervy that must be after a long wait. It's a crazy story, three years ago he was on his way to America to college.
"Twelve Championship teams wanted him and to me it was clear he was going, and I was fine with that - and it didn't work out for whatever reason, and it's great! Tonight he was spot on, helped the team incredibly."
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