There is now less than two weeks until the summer transfer deadline closes and Liverpool are still hoping for more bodies to boost their midfielder options. Although the club have recently moved for Wataru Endo from Stuttgart, boss Jurgen Klopp has identified one player from Premier League rivals Manchester City that could improve the middle of the pitch.
Kalvin Phillips has struggled for regular game time since making the move from Leeds United last year, starting only two league matches in that time. It has been reported by talkSPORT that Phillips is on the shortlist of players that Liverpool could make a move for over the coming days. There are many reasons why this could be a good move for the player, but he may also want to fight for his place under Pep Guardiola, the Man City manager.
In addition to Endo, the Reds have also added Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai, effectively replacing Jordan Henderson and Fabinho, who departed for the Saudi Arabia Pro League. Klopp however does specifically need players with more of a defensive mindset, and this is where Phillips comes into the equation. Including pre-season, Liverpool have kept just one clean sheet this season.
The fact that he is experienced in the Premier League and also represented England at the highest level are certainly big ticks in relation to signing him up. Speaking of England, there is a European Championships taking place next summer, and Phillips would surely want to win back his spot in the squad by playing more regularly. He is seen as someone Gareth Southgate trusts, and if he does start playing again he would be a near certainty to make the squad.
Starting with the Community Shield, Phillips has been an unused substitute in all four matches this season, including the UEFA Super Cup final they recently won on penalties were Sevilla. Liverpool have been linked with Phillips previously, and he is clearly a player that Klopp rates. He hasn't necessarily lost his way, or really changed as a player since joining City, but is simply lacking opportunities.
Whether Guardiola would be prepared to let Phillips move on is another question. They have already lost Kevin De Bruyne to a long-term injury, so losing another midfield player this late in the window could be a problem, as signing up a replacement would surely be needed. Man City aren't blessed with a huge squad in terms of senior players, with the bench often being made up of mostly youngers.
