Sheffield United might have their eyes on a couple of Liverpool defenders in Rhys Williams and Nat Phillips this month, but the chances around bringing either in to the club appear to be slim to none.
Reports emerged this week to suggest the Blades were keeping tabs on both Phillips and Williams. United manager Paul Heckingbottom is keen to bring in a new defender before the window slams shut this month. The Blades are short on cover, with youngster Kyron Gordon recalled from his loan spell to plug the gap at the moment.
However, while both Phillips and Williams might be deemed ideal signings at Bramall Lane, a report from The Athletic suggests there is little chance of either coming to United.
Liverpool Stance
According to the Athletic, Liverpool are happy for Phillips to leave but only on the pretence that someone pays a £15m asking price. As we know, Sheffield United aren’t getting anywhere near that, while Premier League clubs like West Ham and Newcastle are sniffing too.
In regards to youngster Williams, it’s claimed that Jurgen Klopp will keep him on the books as the club’s fifth-choice centre-back, providing Phillips does get a move as expected. Of course, should Phillips stay put, then Klopp could well consider allowing 20-year-old Williams out on loan again.
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With five days left in the window, it could mean Heckingbottom and his recruitment team now need to look elsewhere.
Experience Wanted
While the mention of Phillips was always an odd one – we feel there’s no chance of him ever moving to United – Blades boss Paul Heckingbottom has spoken of his want for experience.
Heckingbottom told Yorkshire Live this week that while he was happy to see Gordon get minutes at Wolves, he does want someone with more experience at this level onboard. That would appear to rule out a move for Liverpool’s Williams, given his age.
United signed Adam Davies yesterday. He was a smart signing who will push Wes Foderingham and hasn’t cost the club much either. You can imagine a similar sort of player is being sought to bolster the back-line.