Liverpool make transfer U-turn on Nat Phillips after successful Bournemouth loan

Liverpool are weighing up the possibility of allowing defender Nat Phillips to return to Bournemouth on loan next season.

The Reds were ready to cash in on the 25-year-old centre-back after he helped the Cherries win promotion back to the Premier League during a successful six-month stint with the south-coast club.

But Phillips’ impressive form has prompted a rethink at Anfield - and there is a belief that he could develop into a long-term replacement for Joel Matip. Bolton-born Phillips signed a four-year contract with the Reds last summer after impressing Jurgen Klopp during the injury crisis that sidelined Virgil van Dijk, Matip and Joe Gomez.

He was allowed to go on loan to Bournemouth last January following the trio’s return to action and the arrival of Ibrahima Konate. Phillips has settled both on and off the pitch at the Vitality Stadium.

And Liverpool are now considering the option of allowing him to return for a season in the top-flight in a deal which would see Bournemouth pay a loan fee.

Speaking about his time on the south coast with Scott Parker, the defender said: "I’ve enjoyed every minute of it. I’ve said from the start when people have asked me about it, he’s very detailed and meticulous in the way that he plans games.

“The way that he sets his teams and the way that he approaches games are very clear in terms of the instructions that he gives us. Also, in the messages that he wants to deliver us and in the sessions that he puts on as well; they very much align with what we wanted to achieve.

“I’ve enjoyed every minute of it and also the other side of the game, the more emotional aspect and that side of things, I feel like he’s good at tapping into that side of stuff. So, it’s been a pleasure to