Nat Phillips seals Celtic transfer as Liverpool defender joins champions on six month loan

Nat Phillips has become Celtic's eighth recruit of the summer, joining Brendan Rodgers' side on a six month loan with an option to extend from Liverpool.

The Irishman has moved to bolster his defence amid a crisis that saw him lose top defender Cameron Carter-Vickers to injury while new signing Maik Nawrocki was ruled out. Phillips was deemed surplus to Jurgen Klopp's requirements this campaign and Celtic acted fast seeing off interest from the likes of Middlesbrough in his services. Now Phillips brings experience to the Parkhead backline with a crucial derby with Rangers looming on Sunday, with Luis Palma signing a five-year deal from Aris on Wednesday evening.

And the 26-year-old, who seemingly jumped at the chance of Champions League football with the Scottish champions admits he's delighted to be playing his football in Glasgow. He told the club's website: "I’m really excited. When I heard about the interest it was one that got me excited. There were a few other options that didn’t quite make me feel the same as this one did, so I was really keen to get it over the line and I’m delighted to be here now.

"It’s such a huge club, the club’s aspirations, the level it competes at, the fact that they’re in the Champions League this year and the mentality of the club – they want to be winners in everything they do.”

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