A number of Liverpool fans have been bemoaning a report which claimed that Brighton are stepping up their interest in Nat Phillips this summer.

The Reds had a nightmare in the centre-back department last season, with Jurgen Klopp having to make do without Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip for much of the campaign due to long-term injuries.

Even Ozan Kabak and Ben Davies, who both arrived in February, also ended up missing out on matches. It meant Phillips had to be drafted into Liverpool's back-line regularly, making 17 appearances and 15 starts in the Premier League, impressing on the whole.

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Despite his performances, the 24-year-old could leave Anfield this summer should the right offer come along that the Reds are willing to accept.

According to The Athletic [via Anfield Watch], Brighton could look to sign Phillips, seeing the defender as an ideal replacement for Ben White, who is set to join Arsenal.

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Liverpool fans unhappy with Phillips rumours

These Liverpool supporters took to Twitter to express their unhappiness at the rumours about Phillips being sold to Brighton following his impact for the Reds last season.

"I can't believe we would consider selling Nat. An out-and-out defender who would put his head on the line (metaphorically and literally if needed) and can chip in with a goal or two. I'd start him with Virgil"

Credit: @RedFrench_75

"Letting this lad go is not a good idea - you'd think LFC would have learned their lesson, with regards to CBs!"

Credit: @GarrettODoh

"LFC should learn from the past, there's a busy season ahead with EPL, FA, UEFA, etc more players are needed for others to rest. Nat is a really good defensive backup"

Credit: @MusaNjeru2

"Watch him go and we're not going to replace him"

Credit: @AntisocialEx_13

"We aren't signing Kabak and it looks like VVD and Gomez won't be fit for the start of the season. I would keep him unless we get €20m or something. Plus keeping him helps with the homegrown quota"

Credit: @mihir138

"Shame Nat Phillips might be on the move. He excelled during Gomez and VVD's absence"

Credit: @nirasol1969

In other news, a journalist has played down Liverpool's interest in one player. Find out who it is here.