Leeds United are considering a move to sign 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 hierarchy telling the German manager that the club will not accept bids for any key stars if Elland Road side can gain promotion.
Failure to do so could mean that more interest is generated in some of Farke’s squad given they may be available. Some will not want to stay at Leeds for a second season in the second tier of English football.
A deal for Joe Rodon may be difficult to do given he has proven himself to be Premier League standard at Leeds this season. Premier League clubs are looking at Rodon, and Leeds may struggle to afford him.
That is if Leeds cannot get promoted out of the Championship. Farke’s men currently sit second ahead of Ipswich but level on points and with Kieran McKenna’s side boasting a game in hand over The Whites.
Leeds might need another centre-back if they fail to go up and the Yorkshire side are said to be looking at a deal for Liverpool defender Nat Phillips. Leeds were in advanced talks for Phillips last summer.
Now, Leeds are looking at a possible move for Phillips once again.
Leeds United keen on striking Nat Phillips deal from Liverpool
Phillips has been out on loan twice already this season with his Liverpool career looking as though it has been over for quite some time. He has attempted to throw himself into the shop window on loan.
A move to Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic did not work, playing just eight times in the first half of the season. He joined Cardiff in January and has impressed so far, helping Cardiff win eight of his 17 appearances.
The Mirror claimed on Sunday in their paper edition (28/04, page 68) that Leeds are interested in signing Phillips whether the Whites are promoted or not. It is claimed Leeds pulled the plug on a loan in January.
What Phillips has said about leaving Liverpool in the summer
Speaking to The Echo, Phillips said: “It’s difficult to say (where I’ll be). I don’t know who the manager will be. Once things start to unfold, I’ll be able to build a picture of what I see as my plan for the future.”
Interest in Phillips would suggest that Leeds are planning for life without Rodon, just in case. If Leeds can do a deal for Rodon then it lessens the need for Phillips. He could play alongside the Wales international.
But they are similar types of players in that they are warrior-like, right-footed defenders both excellent in the air. However, failure to go up could mean no Rodon deal. Phillips is a “phenomenal” alternative.