Newcastle quoted ‘£12m to £15m’ as club contact Liverpool over potential transfer – Report

With Axel Tuanzebe now expected to join Aston Villa, Steve Bruce may have been forced to look elsewhere in his bid to sign a new centre-back at Newcastle.

One name who has popped up once again today is Nat Phillips – the Liverpool defender who has now been linked with a move to Tyneside on several occasions this summer.

James Pearce – The Athletic’s Liverpool correspondent – has revealed that we are one of four Premier League clubs who’ve been in contact with the Reds over a potential deal for the 6ft 3′ centre-back.

It’s believed Jurgen Klopp wouldn’t stand in his way if the right offer arrived in the coming weeks. However, it seems they’re looking to sell for around £12m to £15m – and you can bet your bottom dollar we’re looking for a loan!

Here’s a snippet from Pearce’s latest piece for The Athletic:

‘As for Phillips, he’s available for around £12 million to £15 million.

There have been plenty of enquiries but no firm offers to my knowledge. 

Burnley, Brighton, Newcastle and Southampton have all been in contact.

If there’s an offer in the coming weeks which is right for the club and right for the player, Liverpool won’t stand in his way.

If not, Klopp will happily keep him as back-up.‘

With reports suggesting we are pushing to complete a permanent deal for Joe Willock for £22m plus, you suspect Bruce would be limited to nothing but loans should that much needed move go through.

Things could change if the Arsenal midfielder ends up arriving on loan, meaning the money would be there to make a move for Phillips, but it seems Liverpool are content on keeping him if the right offer doesn’t arrive.

One to watch it seems, with him ticking boxes in terms of age and being a no nonsense defender Bruce would probably love, however I can’t see this happening if Liverpool have no intention of loaning him out.