AFC Bournemouth manager Scott Parker has admitted a desire to keep Liverpool central defender Nat Phillips beyond a current loan spell, as per Dorset Live.
The lowdown: Phillips a cult hero
Having made himself a fan favourite at Anfield following a string of outstanding performances at the back end of the 2020/21 campaign, Phillips was deemed surplus to requirements during the January transfer window.
Helping guide the Reds to ten games unbeaten and a Premier League top-four finish, Phillips became a favourite of Jurgen Klopp too, who gushed over his 'love' for the Englishman and even compared his development to Robert Lewandowski.
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However, the no-nonsense defender found himself down the pecking order once again at Anfield when Virgil van Dijk, Joel Matip and Joe Gomez all recovered from long term injuries, as well as the signing of Ibrahima Konaté.
Following a strong start to life on the south coast having joined the Championship high-fliers on loan until the end of the season, Phillips could be set to extend a stay...
The latest: Parker speaks out
Speaking to Dorset Live, Parker was asked whether the club would be looking to keep the man dubbed the 'Bolton Baresi' on a permanent basis.
“Maybe, hopefully...
“At this moment in time, that has not really been discussed. As always, whether with Nat or all the players who are on loan and in where they sit or don't sit, it is really irrelevant.
“Just tell them to keep their heads down, focus on performing and that (their future) probably ends up taking care of itself, one way or another. That's how I've learned things. Nat needs to be consistent in his levels, which he has done.”
The verdict: No brainer
Since joining Bournemouth, Phillips has earned an impressive 7.02/10 average match rating from nine league appearances, winning 4.62 aerial duels and making 5.1 clearances per game (Sofascore).
Already boasting 17 Premier League outings - as well as UEFA Champions League experience - it's no surprise that Parker would be looking to add the man hailed as a 'monster' by an adoring Klopp to the ranks permanently.
Seemingly heading back to the top-flight, Bournemouth will be looking to add steel to their defence in order to compete amongst the elite next season and given the strength in depth in the defensive department at Liverpool, a summer sale is the best move for all parties, with simply no room for Phillips to receive any game time at Anfield.
In other news, Liverpool are reportedly set to complete triple transfer swoop. Find out more here.