Ryan Mason chasing Liverpool signing could mean senior West Brom player departs | OneFootball

West Brom are likely to be in need of centre-backs this summer

Liverpool defender Nat Phillips has attracted “strong interest” from West Bromwich Albion, according to recent reports.

The news was revealed by The Athletic, where it was stated that a number of other Championship clubs are interested in the 28-year-old.

Phillips spent last season on loan at Derby County, making 32 Championship appearances for the club during that spell.

We asked our Baggies Fan Pundit, Callum, whether the move is one he’d welcome at the Hawthorns.

Phillips would be a welcome addition

Speaking to Football League World, Callum said: “I think Nat Phillips would be a defender who the majority of Championship clubs would probably take after how he progressed in his loan spell at Derby County last year.

“Under John Eustace, he became a very solid defender and a very traditional centre-half, so I think he's somebody who would definitely be welcome in the Albion squad.

“I think if Kyle Bartley wasn't here, then I think it'd make a bit more sense because I don't think he can play the two of them together.

“Maybe this could mean that Bartley might be off in the summer, in addition to more centre-backs joining the club.

“We’ll have to see if any interest in [Torbjorn] Heggem materialises as well. So, with just Caleb Taylor as a recognised centre-back, aside from those two, where their futures are uncertain, I think Nat Phillips would be a welcome addition if he does join the club.”

Path appears clear for West Brom approach

Despite being stuck on the fringes of Liverpool’s squad for the bulk of his career, Phillips has racked up significant experience on loan spells with Bournemouth, Cardiff City and, most recently, Derby.

His latest spell with the Rams has undoubtedly been his most successful, so the current lack of reports surfacing linking them to a permanent move may suggest the finances don’t quite add up for them.

Norwich City are another side in search of a centre-back, leading to their name being thrown into the hat by some, but the Canaries were also recently ruled out by journalist Connor Southwell.

There is no doubt a number of other unnamed clubs chasing Phillips’ signature, but as starts go for West Brom’s pursuit, they couldn’t have hoped for much better.

With Semi Ajayi a confirmed exit, and the futures of Bartley and Heggem far from certain, then West Brom could certainly do worse than advancing their interest in Phillips, before another team strikes.