Word stemming from the media on Friday has provided an insight into the kind of fee which Liverpool are expected to demand in negotiations over the sale of Nathaniel Phillips.
Stopper Phillips was of course farmed out on a fresh loan during the January transfer window.
After unsurprisingly struggling for game-time across the opening half of the campaign on the back of the return to full fitness of Virgil van Dijk and arrival of the talented Ibrahima Konate, it was decided that a temporary spell away from Anfield would be best for Phillips’ development.
The 25-year-old, in turn, went on to make the move to the Championship, linking up with AFC Bournemouth for the remainder of the season.
And to say that his spell at the Vitality Stadium proved a subsequent success would be putting it lightly.
After quickly establishing himself at the heart of the Cherries’ backline, Phillips’ impressive form proved key to Scott Parker’s men sealing a return to the Premier League courtesy of a 2nd-placed league finish.
HUDDERSFIELD, ENGLAND – MARCH 19: Danny Ward tackles Nathaniel Phillips during the Sky Bet Championship match between Huddersfield Town and AFC Bournemouth at Kirklees Stadium on March 19, 2022 in Huddersfield, England. (Photo by John Early/Getty Images)
Reds set out demands
Ahead of their return to the top-flight of English football, it should therefore come as little surprise to hear of Bournemouth already beginning to express an interest in making their on-loan defender’s spell with the club a permanent one this summer.
Liverpool, though, appear altogether unlikely to make things easy for the Cherries.
This comes amid reports on the part of the Liverpool Echo that those in a position of power at Anfield have informed their counterparts at the Vitality Stadium that they will not part with Phillips unless an offer in the region of £15 million is forthcoming.
Rival interest, meanwhile, is expected to come to the fore upon the summer window swinging back open.
? NEW: Liverpool have told Bournemouth they want around £15million for Nat Phillips – and are expecting more interest in the defender when the transfer window opens this summer. #awlive [liverpool echo] pic.twitter.com/cQSBl4z3jh
— Anfield Watch (@AnfieldWatch) May 13, 2022
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