Photo by LFC Foundation/Liverpool FC via Getty Images

News

HomeNewsEnglish Premier LeagueLiverpool

Report: Liverpool ace John Aldridge deemed ‘terrific’ and ‘massive’ could be sold this summer

Giuseppe Labellarte

Tue 22 June 2021 22:15, UK

Liverpool are reportedly willing to grant Nathaniel Phillips a transfer away from Anfield this summer.

Likewise, the Reds defender is open to leaving Merseyside in search of first-team football, according to .

Premier League duo Burnley and Brighton are apparently keen on the idea of signing Phillips.

Newcastle and Southampton have made enquiries about the 24-year-old, added the outlet.

Liverpool transfer exit the best option for Phillips?

Liverpool would be reluctant sellers, with Jurgen Klopp a big fan of Phillips’ attitude and professionalism.

Likewise, Reds supporters have taken to the defender, who made 20 appearances in all competitions last season.

However, Phillips could find first-team opportunities limited at Anfield next term.

Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip are close to returning from long-term injury.

Meanwhile, Ibrahima Konate is joining Liverpool from RB Leipzig in a £36million deal.

Phillips, who came through the ranks at Liverpool, began the 2020-21 season as a fringe player.

However, an injury crisis at centre-back meant Jurgen Klopp drafted him into first-team action.

Phillips stepped up superbly and helped Liverpool finish in the Premier League’s top four.

The Reds won eight and drew two of their last 10 Premier League games of the season, and Phillips played the full 90 minutes in all eight of their wins.

“Deserves a contract”

The 6ft 3in ace is on a contract until 2023, and in May, Anfield icon John Aldridge urged the Reds to give him a new deal.

“I think Phillips deserves a contract at Liverpool,” Aldridge wrote in the .

“He knows that he might only be a squad player, probably, but there will be good game time for him and he deserves it.

“Who knows in the future what’s going to happen with him, but he’s been terrific.

“In a normal season it wouldn’t happened for him. In the first couple of games he made one or two errors, you don’t normally get a second chance.

“But because the manager had no choice but to stick with him, he got better and better and better. In both boxes he’s a massive force, he doesn’t miss a header.

“You could call on him alongside Van Dijk in most games, so it’s worked out well and I’m delighted for him.”