Liverpool star could leave in January with surprise club 'leading the race' for his signature

Liverpool defender Nat Phillips has been tipped to leave Anfield this January and Galatasaray are thought to be leading the race for his signature.

Phillips has struggled to make it into the first team since joining Liverpool in 2018, making just five appearances for Jurgen Klopp this season.

An injury to Virgil van Dijk looked to have paved the way for Phillips to break into the side. However, the Reds have recalled both Billy Koumetio and Rhys Williams from their respective loans, opening the door for Phillips' possible exit.

Last summer, the 25-year-old amassed interest from Portuguese giants Benfica, along with Bournemouth, Burnley and Southampton. However, Klopp ultimately decided to keep him at the club to help cover for injured absentees.

Philips to Galatasaray?

Whilst there is thought to have been interest from a number of Bundesliga teams, The Athletic report that Galatasary are now frontrunners to sign the Englishman.

Talks are said to be ongoing between the Turkish Super League leaders with three possible options being explored.

Both a loan until the end of the season and a loan with an option to buy are being considered, while a permanent transfer is also on the cards. Liverpool are thought to value Phillips at around £10 million.

Former Reds midfielder Danny Murphy claimed that Philips is 'not good enough' for Liverpool earlier in the month.

When asked if Phillips could provide adequate cover in the heart of defence, Murphy told talkSPORT: "I think he's way off to be honest.

"The bigger problem would be more the midfield. I still feel that when you haven't got Henderson in there, there's a miss, physically and the leadership as well," he added.

Jurgen Klopp remains short of options in midfield. The six-time Champions League winners have been linked with a variety of midfielders this January. However, as of yet they have only signed Cody Gakpo, leaving fans frustrated at the club's lack of investment.