Liverpool defender 'set to follow Jarell Quansah out of club' in boost for Arne Slot

Liverpool are on the verge of finding a permanent exit for forgotten defender Nat Phillips, according to reports. The Reds have already lost Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid, and Jarell Quansah is heading to Bayer Leverkusen as part of the major defensive reshuffle overseen by manager Arne Slot.

While Alexander-Arnold and Quansah would have been part of Slot's first-team plans if they stayed at Anfield next season, Phillips' exit may not have quite the same impact. The 28-year-old has been on the fringes for years, with his last first-team appearance for Liverpool coming in the 2022/23 season. Phillips spent last term on loan at Derby County and he now looks set for a Championship return.

According to The Telegraph, West Bromwich Albion are close to signing him on a permanent deal. Liverpool chiefs faced the prospect of finding Phillips another loan destination this season as he still has a year to run on his contract.

But a move to the Hawthorns is set to see them bank a small fee 12 months before he would have been a free agent. It would also give Anfield bosses the freedom to focus on other transfer priorities in what has already been a busy summer.

Jeremie Frimpong has been signed to replace Alexander-Arnold at right-back, with Milos Kerkez expected to replace Andy Robertson on the left once he completes a £40million move from Bournemouth.

As Quansah heads for the Bundesliga in a £35m deal, Liverpool have been tipped to bid for Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi. There could be further movement at the back as Robertson is being courted by Atletico Madrid.

Phillips joined Liverpool from Bolton Wanderers as a teenager and made his senior debut for the club in the FA Cup in 2020. He enjoyed loan spells with Stuttgart, Bournemouth, Celtic and Cardiff City before joining up with the Rams last term.

The highlight of Phillips' Anfield spell came during the 2020/21 season, when he was called up by Jurgen Klopp as cover for a severely depleted back-line. The towering defender made 20 appearances across all competitions and also featured in a Champions League clash against AC Milan at the San Siro the following campaign.

West Brom finished ninth in the Championship and four points off the play-offs last term. Fans will hope for a fresh promotion push if Phillips comes on board to join newly-appointed manager Ryan Mason in the West Midlands.