Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has been warned that the Reds should only be interested in a deal for Kalvin Phillips if the terms are right given his poor spell at Manchester City
Video Loading
Video Unavailable
Luis Diaz could be Liverpool’s star player this season
Danny Murphy believes that Liverpool should only pursue a deal for Kalvin Phillips if the price is right due to the midfielder’s limited game time at Manchester City.
Phillips, 27, joined the Premier League champions in a £45million deal from Leeds last summer but endured a difficult maiden campaign at the Etihad. After being plagued by a shoulder injury at the start of the season, Phillips went on to make only 12 appearances in the league, including just two starts.
Liverpool are in the market for midfield reinforcements after losing both Fabinho and Jordan Henderson to lucrative offers from the Saudi Pro League, and Jurgen Klopp is known to be a big fan of Phillips.
Former Anfield favourite Murphy has his doubts over a deal, though. Speaking on talkSPORT, he said of a potential move for Phillips: “It would depend on the price. If it was half the price of what they got for him, maybe it would make sense. But there is a stumbling block in terms of the perception. I think if Liverpool were seen to be getting a player at City who couldn’t get a kick, I’m not sure how that would go down.
“But I like him, I think he’s a talent. I wouldn’t be that disappointed if Liverpool got him. I think he is a talent and he would be great cover or make that position his own as they only have Endo really who can play that position.”
Klopp had been mulling over an approach for Phillips earlier in the summer and has rekindled interest in the England star after missing out on deals for Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia. Both opted to join Chelsea instead of the Reds.
Join the debate! Do you think Phillips would be a good signing for Liverpool? _****_Let us know here.
Kalvin Phillips endured a difficult maiden season at Manchester City and is a transfer target for Liverpool (
Image:
Alex Caparros/UEFA)
While Klopp may be keen on bringing Phillips to Anfield, it remains to be seen if the midfielder would be open to such a move. Speaking back in June, Phillips seemed determined to fight his way into Pep Guardiola’s plans and appeared to cool any talk of a transfer.
He said: “I came to Manchester City to win trophies and we won the trophies but I didn’t play as much as I wanted to do. My intention is to stay there. We have just won the Treble, so there is no reason for me to leave other than if I am not playing I will obviously have to think about it. I cannot give it 12 months and say I am not playing so I am going to leave.
Get the Liverpool home kit
Liverpool’s home shirt for the 2023/2024 campaign pays homage to Bill Shankly and the legendary Reds manager’s final season in charge at Anfield. The Nike shirt features a bright red design with a bold white contrast on the colour and cuffs.
Prices start from £59.95
Nike
“As you have seen with many players at City, it can take quite a while to cement yourself into the team. Hopefully, I will enjoy my off-season and then work hard when I get back. I’ve had injuries as well but City have been amazing in helping me get fit.
“I will definitely speak to Pep. I don’t know whether it will be in the summer because everyone enjoys their downtime and everyone wants their space away from football so I’ll probably leave it until I go back for pre-season but I’ll just speak to him and have a good conversation.”
Join our new WhatsApp community! Clickthis link to receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
