Liverpool defender Nat Phillips is attracting the interest of both Fulham and Bournemouth and could move to either newly promoted club before the transfer window closes.
That is according to podcast, which reports that both sides are considering a bid for the 25-year-old Bolton-native.
Phillips spent the second half of last season on loan at Bournemouth, helping Scott Parker’s side to promotion in second place behind ’s Fulham. In the preceding months, Phillips struggled for playing time in the Liverpool squad but did impress in a 2-1 victory over AC Milan at the San Siro.
The signing of Ibrahima Konate from RB Leipzig last summer means the Reds now have four first-team centre-halves, with the Frenchman competing with both Joel Matip and Joe Gomez for a starting place alongside .
That leaves Phillips, who signed a contract extension until 2025 only last September, facing the prospect of either spending the majority of the campaign outside of matchday squads or moving on to secure regular first-team football.
Last summer he was linked with moves to both PSV Eindhoven and Anderlecht, but now seems most likely to remain in England with one of the sides aiming to remain in the Premier League.
Fulham have already made four signings this summer, reinforcing their midfield in particular by brining in holding player Joao Palhinha from Sporting Lisbon, while also adding Andreas Pereira from Manchester United. Right-back Kevin Mbabu has joined from Wolfsburg, and Israeli winger Solomon has arrived on loan from Shakhtar Donetsk.
Bournemouth have been far less active in the market, signing only one player for a transfer fee so far this summer, with winger Marcus Tavernier joining from Middlesbrough. Former West Ham defender Ryan Fredericks and ex-Blackburn Rovers midfielder Joe Rothwell have also joined the Cherries on free transfers.
Phillips has made a total of 24 appearances for Liverpool since joining the club in 2016, scoring one goal.
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