Liverpool defender could leave the club in January after transfer decision made

Liverpool defender Nat Phillips could be allowed to leave the club in January following the decision to recall Rhys Williams from his loan spell at Blackpool.

He has been recalled after finding his opportunities limited at Blackpool in recent weeks.

Williams, 21, has made 17 league appearances for the Championship club this season but hasn't featured in four of their last five matches.

His return to Anfield could open the door for Phillips, 25, to leave the club.

Phillips and Williams partnered each other at centre-back during the 2020-21 Premier League season when Liverpool were decimated by long-term injuries in central defence.

Both players were sent out on loan last season to continue their development, with Williams spending time at Swansea and Phillips at Bournemouth.

Since returning to Liverpool ahead of the current campaign, Phillips now finds himself as fifth-choice centre-back.

However, the decision to recall Williams could allow him to move elsewhere before the window closes.

Who could sign Phillips?

According to the report, Liverpool are prepared to listen to both loan and permanent offers for Phillips.

Last summer, Benfica wanted to take Phillips on a season-long loan.

There was also serious interest from Burnley, Southampton and his former club Bournemouth, who he helped to achieve promotion last season while on loan.

He has made five appearances in the current campaign for Liverpool, recently featuring the FA Cup third round replay win over Wolves.