Nat Phillips to Celtic transfer timeline revealed as defender travels for talks amid Champions League 'excitement'

Nat Phillips is on his way to Celtic for talks over a loan move and is 'excited' to join the Scottish champions, according to a report.

The Liverpool defender was deemed surplus to requirements under Jurgen Klopp this campaign. Middlesbrough appeared the leading candidate to pursue a loan move before Brendan Rodgers swooped in and it appears the 26-year-old is heading north to seal a season-long switch with the champions. The towering 26-year-old, according to the Athletic is beaming at the prospect of making the move and the lure of Champions League group stage football has been credited as a factor in his decision.

The Hoops are now the 'frontrunners' to sign the Englishman, who was said to have reported for training at Liverpool's facility on Wednesday but did not take part in a session due to travelling to Glasgow. Phillips was previously on loan with the likes of Stuttgart and Bournemouth. The proposed move comes as Rodgers faces a defensive crisis in Glasgow.

Cameron Carter-Vickers, Maik Nawrocki and Stephen Welsh are all out of action with the Old Firm derby looming against Rangers on Sunday. Liam Scales and Gustaf Lagerbielke played in the 0-0 draw against St Johnstone on Saturday.

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