Journalist provides update on AFC Bournemouth’s potential transfer pursuit of 25-year-old

Championship side AFC Bournemouth are yet to open talks with Liverpool regarding a fresh agreement for centre-back Nat Phillips, according to talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook.

The Cherries first brought the Welshman to the Vitality Stadium during the winter window – and he has gone on to become one of the first names on the teamsheet despite competition from former England international Gary Cahill and Chris Mepham.

Making 17 second-tier appearances for the south-coast side and playing a part in helping Scott Parker’s side to secure promotion back to the Premier League at the second time of asking, they could potentially move to secure another deal for the defender.

The Reds and the Cherries are thought to enjoy a good relationship, a partnership that dates way back to January 2019 when the promoted side bought their main talisman Dominic Solanke from Jurgen Klopp’s side back in January 2019.

And the Merseyside outfit may be prepared to cash in on Phillips too with the central defender making just three appearances for them this term, with none of those displays coming in the top flight.

He looks set to remain below the likes of Joel Matip, Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Ibrahima Konate in the pecking order for the foreseeable future – and Phillips has even refused to rule out a move back to the south coast.

However, he may have to play a waiting game with Bournemouth not yet engaging in discussions with his parent side about a potential return to the Vitality, as per journalist Crook.

The Verdict:

Considering he’s quite a way down the pecking order, the Cherries may be able to negotiate a reasonably cheap deal for the 25-year-old and that can only be a good thing for Parker’s side who will want to address other areas too.