Middlesbrough are said to be exploring the possibility of taking Liverpool defender Nat Phillips on loan.
The Daily Mail reports that the centre-back who, along with Rhys Williams, became a cult figure during the 2020/2021 campaign after deputising for the injured Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez, Joel Matip and Ozan Bazak, looks set to be loaned out before the transfer deadline.
Phillips played 17 times for Liverpool during that injury-ravaged 20/21 season, but has since struggled to make his mark. So a loan deal would presumably suit all parties as the defender needs playing time.
Middlesbrough, who have made a faultering start to their Championship campaign, are keen on Phillips, 26, who has also caught the attention of German Bundesliga side Stuttgart, where he made 22 appearances in a previous loan spell in 2019.
Championship experience
The defender, who arrived at Anfield from Bolton in 2016, has also had a loan spell in the Championship with Bournemouth and so would need no tentative introduction into the hustle and bustle of second tier football.
With regard to the prospect of more incomings, last week, reports suggested that Boro head coach Michael Carrick wanted three more through the door. Although, at the time, it was thought that those would be for positions in central-midfield, attacking-midfield and up front.
Middlesbrough have endured three defeats and one draw in their opening four league games of the season, shipping nine goals in the process. That may have changed the landscape in terms of the positions they feel they need to strengthen. Phillips would offer some much needed steel and solidity to a relatively inexperienced squad.
Nat Phillips would offer defensive cover
With only two days to go until the deadline, clubs are frantically trying to conclude their business before settling their squad in readiness for the challenges ahead. The Championship in particular has a gruelling schedule, and with Boro having players themselves who are attracting admiring glances, a loan move for someone as competent as Phillips could be a clever move.
Middlesbrough centre-back Paddy McNair has been the subject of speculation from Luton Town, which may explain why Boro are sounding out Liverpool about the availability of Phillips. Other than first choice pairing Dael Fry and Darragh Lenihan, the only other fit centre-backs are new arrival Rav van den Berg and Paddy McNair. If McNair-who is not first choice-was to be tempted away, it would leave the club short of options.