Leeds United are considering signing a Liverpool defender, even if Daniel Farke fails to get the Yorkshire club promoted to the Premier League this season.
The 49ers and Farke have already met to discuss the summer, with the Leeds leadership informing the German manager that the club will not entertain bids for any key players if the Elland Road side wins promotion.
Failure to do so could result in increased interest in some of Farke’s team members, who may be available. Some will not want to return to Leeds United for a second season in English football’s second tier.
A trade for Joe Rodon may be difficult to complete, given his Premier League performance at Leeds this season. Premier League clubs are interested in Rodon, and Leeds may struggle to afford him.
That is, if Leeds cannot be promoted from the Championship. Farke’s men are presently second to Ipswich but level on points, with Kieran McKenna’s side having a game in hand on The Whites.
Leeds United may require another centre-back if they do not win promotion, and the Yorkshire club is reportedly interested in signing Liverpool defender Nat Phillips. Leeds were in advanced talks with Phillips last summer.
Leeds are now considering a move for Phillips again.
Leeds United interested in signing Nat Phillips from Liverpool
Phillips has already gone on loan twice this season, and his Liverpool career appears to be over. He tried to throw himself into the shop window on loan.
A move to Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic was unsuccessful, with the player appearing only eight times in the first half of the season. He joined Cardiff in January and has already helped the club win eight of his seventeen games.
The Mirror reported on Sunday (28/04, page 68) that Leeds are interested in signing Phillips regardless of whether the Whites are promoted. Leeds allegedly canceled a loan in January.
What Phillips has said about leaving Liverpool this summer.
Phillips told The Echo: “It’s difficult to say where I’ll be.” I’m not sure who the manager will be. Once things begin to unfold, I’ll be able to create a picture of my future plans.”
Interest in Phillips suggests that Leeds is preparing for life without Rodon, just in case. If Leeds can make a deal for Rodon, it will reduce the need for Phillips. He might play alongside the Welsh international.
However, they are comparable players in that they are both warrior-like, right-footed defenders who thrive in the air. However, failure to go higher could result in no Rodon deal. Phillips represents a “phenomenal” alternative.
